Gerald Baker

Gerald D. Baker, 87, of Colts Neck, NJ passed away on September 11, 2016. Jerry was born in Boston Massachusetts to Esther and Arthur Baker and spent his childhood in Brookline, Massachusetts. He received his undergraduate degree from Colby College in Waterville, Maine and received MBAs from both Boston University and Harvard Business School.

Jerry served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Fort Niagara where he met his future wife, Peggy Zager, who was on holiday break from the University of Michigan. They were married in Nashville, Tennessee in 1954 and just celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Peggy and Jerry initially lived in Natick, Massachusetts, where they began their family in 1958 with the birth of their daughter, Suzanne, followed by Wayne and Jill in rapid succession of 33 months.

Gerald began his career as an “Ad Man” in Boston. He then accepted a position with Regina Corporation in 1964, and the family moved to central New Jersey where they rented a house in Little Silver for one year. The family then moved to Colts Neck where they lived ever since. The remainder of Jerry’s professional career was spent in the Housewares industry in a variety of Marketing, Sales and Management positions including stints with Sanyo Electric, Lumiscope, Electric Char-be-que, Maverick Industries, and Nessei Corporation (Mark of Fitness Home Health).

Jerry loved the international travel that being with these companies afforded. In later years, his wife accompanied him on many business trips and he was able to introduce his children, one on one, to some of these destinations. In addition, Jerry and Peggy traveled the world on vacation. The Bakers also traveled as a family across the USA, to Canada, Mexico, Israel and on a Caribbean cruise.

He is survived by his wife and children - Wayne Baker of Garwood, Suzanne Baker and Jill Austin (Jim) of Colts Neck; grandchildren - Matthew Baker, Alex and Alyssa Austin; step grandchildren - EJ, Tamayco, Jamie and Aida. He was predeceased by his parents, Esther and Arthur Baker, and his sister Lois Baker Smith.

Funeral services will be Tuesday 9/13 at 10:30am at Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls. Interment will follow at Beth El Cemetery in Neptune. Shiva will be Tuesday 9/13 and Wednesday 9/14 at the Austin home from 5:30-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Monmouth Reform Temple or a charity of your choice. http://monmouthreformtemple.org/index.php/about-us/donate2