Richard Jones Baker

Dick was born on March 18, 1921 in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of Henry and Anne (Neyle) Baker. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Jane and Anne.

After graduating from Forest Park High School in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was President of his class as well as student council president, he attended Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in Westminster, MD on a full scholarship, graduating in 1942. There he met and later married a fellow student, Jean Lamoreau, his beloved wife of 71 years who passed away in 2013.

Dick was in ROTC at Western Maryland, and immediately following his and Jean’s college graduation, served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and began training troops stateside for W.W. II deployment before going overseas to the Philippines. In addition to be awarded a Purple Heart, he was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in combat and returned to the States a captain.

After the war, Dick joined the FBI and enjoyed a 28 year career there. He served in many areas of the country, initially serving as a Special Agent and retiring as an Assistant Director. He and Jean have one daughter, Jean Hielscher.

After retiring from the FBI, Dick enjoyed a second career with Mrs. Paul’s Seafood Company in Philadelphia. Starting as a consultant, he became President and CEO of Mrs. Paul’s when Campbell Soup purchased the company, and he served in that capacity until his second retirement in 1986.

Dick and Jean built a home on Naples Bay in Royal Harbor where they lived for 19 years before moving to the Glenview, a retirement community in Pelican Bay. They traveled extensively and enjoyed playing bridge, entertaining, and spending time with their family. At the Glenview, Dick served on the Board and chaired the Building Committee. Dick was outgoing and warm, with a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. He made friends wherever he went, including many valued friendships at the Glenview.

Dick is survived by his loving daughter, Jean (Jeanie) Hielscher and her husband, Robert (Bob); grandsons, Richard (Katie) Hielscher, Robert (Lisa) Hielscher; and great-grandchildren, Payton, Joe, Nick, Lyla, Eloise, and Duncan. He was devoted to his family, who will gather to celebrate his life privately. He will be greatly missed.

Tax deductible gifts in his memory may be made to the Glenview Employee Scholarship Fund, 100 Glenview Place, Naples, FL 34108 or to the Richard J. and Jean L. Baker Scholarship Fund at McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157.