Patrick A. Baker

Patrick A Baker, aged 90, passed away peacefully at his home, July 4, 2015. He was surrounded his loving family. Born May 4, 1925 in Dublin, Ireland, Patrick was the son of Michael and Delia Baker, and the last surviving son of their ten children.

He spent his youth and early adulthood in Dublin, Ireland. A man of deep faith and commitment to his family and many friends, Patrick was educated by the Jesuits of Belvedere College, Dublin.

He met the love of his life, his wife Margaret Patricia (Pat) Duignan, at the age of 28 in Dublin. They were married in 1952 in Dublin and moved to the United States in 1954. They settled on arrival in Southington, CT where they raised seven children.

On moving to The United States, Patrick first began work selling candles to churches across New England. Through his travels and his sales he formed strong relationships with many clergy. He became well known throughout the region as a man of integrity, dedication to his work and his faith. This reputation helped in his quick success as he began his independent business selling candles and church supplies in 1965, opening his first company, Lenehan and Baker in Hartford. Wanting to be in his much loved community he opened Patrick Baker and Sons on West Street in Southington in 1983, where it is still thriving today.

Being a very active member of his community, Patrick was on the Board of Directors of Southington Savings Bank, and has been recognized for his work with The United Way, Boy Scouts of America, the YMCA, and his support of Bread for Life. He was a friend of the Archdiocese of Hartford and subsequently given the St. Joseph Medal of Recognition, jointly with his wife, for their devotion to their faith and service. He also received the St. Paul Catholic High School’s Circle of Honor Award.

His passions in life were Big Band music, his birds, travel, the ocean, golfing, and above all else spending time with his friends and cherished family.

Proceeded in death by his parents and nine siblings, Patrick is survived by his beloved wife Pat and their seven devoted children, Posey Fradette and husband Brian of Bedford, NH; Michael Baker and wife Mary of Southington, CT; Maureen Kelly and husband Tom of Southington, CT; Brian Baker and wife Lisa of Southington, CT; Mary Pat Threlkeld and husband David of Southington, CT; Patrick J. Baker of Avon, CT; Sean Baker and wife Michelle of Fairfield, CT. Patrick adored and was highly respected and loved by his 23 grandchildren, Bridget, Katie, Matthew, Michael, Evan, Danny, Mitchell, Patrick, Neil, Christopher, Shane, Garrett, Brianna, Elizabeth, Kirsten, Erik, Luke, Mark, Ryan, Cullen, Brendan, Liam, and Madeline, all of whom affectionately refer to him as “Grandfather.” He was blessed to have seen the births of three great grandchildren, Ella, Madeleine, and Nora.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Craig Bogdanski and the Hospice Care of Ct for their support.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, July 8, at 10AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 99 Bristol St. Southington, CT.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 7 from 4-8PM at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N Main St., Southington, CT. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. Southington, CT; Bread for Life, PO Box 925,Southington, CT 06489; and St. Paul Catholic High School,1001 Stafford Ave. Bristol, CT. 06010