Paul Baker is basketball!! I love him for that, he helped me out alot in highschool. Jerry Kellett

Dear Connie, Steve, Greg, and Nick.

I was deeply sorry to hear of Sony's (Paul) passing. I am sorry I did not attend the service, but I was with you in thought and prayer. I wanted to let you know how Sony (as I knew him best) was an influence on my life. Even though I didn't spend a lot of time with him, I always admired him for his patient nature, and his love for helping people. I remember at our family gatherings, he would always talk to me about school and sports. He always encouraged me to do well in both, and because I knew he was a coach, what he said carried great weight with me, and I took his advice to heart. I remember him explaining to me his creation of the game "basketwall", which I thought was very innovative. Sony to me, in many ways, was the historian and Patriarch of our family, much as uncle Paul was the photographic historian of the family. I know he had a love for history and especially his Italian ancestry. All of our family members have read La Famiglia Americana, and are very proud of Sony for his accomplishment in writing the book and telling the story of his family. Although we have not seen each other in many years, I remember the great times we had as a family during the holidays at aunt Rose, Mary, Jo, and Helen's house, and at aunt Mary's house. I know Sony was a proud family man, and I always felt his love for our extended family when I was around him. I remember him most as a kind heart and a gentle soul. I will have fond memories of him always, and you all will always be my family. I would love to hear from you if you get the opportunity. 949-337-3068 - dave@custombodiesfitness.com. In loving memory. Dave.

Dear Connie, I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing.I will never forget Paul's passion and enthusiasm for everything that he attempted. I remember the first time that I met him in Ocean City the summer before he took over the reins at Towson Catholic. I remember the trip you and I and Tina and Paul took to Ocean City in his new convertible. I remember sitting in your apartment and laughing as only Paul could make one laugh as we took turns coming up with crazy Latin names for your soon to be born son, I remember playing his goofy board games.I Remember enjoying every minute of playing for him and secretly calling him PB. I will always cherish my association with PB and the fond memories with which he left me.

Jim Hogarth, Charleston SC

Connie & boys, So sorry to hear about Coach Baker's passing. I was a manager at Wheeling & basketball became a big part of my college experience. Coach was nice enough to give me a job at the gym & gave me the opportunity to create many friendships I still have today. I remember Coach showing us training films of North Carolina's defensive principals which I never forgot. I believe because of him I ended up coaching youth basketball for over 25 years. Who can forget him scheduling games at the Pittsburgh Arena before an ABA game, a game at the Baltimore Civic Center before the NBA Bullets, & a game in Washington DC against John Thompson's Georgetown team. Just amazing what he could accomplish. 
You have my deepest condolences & I will keep him in my prayers.

October 24, 2013

Unfortunately, I was not aware of Paul's passing until last Friday. Kath and I offer our condolences. P B was one of a kind when it came to the game.  I have a great photo of myself with Paul at one of the Five Star camps. He will always be remembered.

Dan Popera

To Paul's Family,

I can't remember anything specific that Paul taught me, but he was the greatest coach I ever had. His spirit has always been with me. I was on his '54 St. Joseph's Monastery team. Love to you all.

Dick McDonnell

Rest in peace Coach Baker.  It was an honor to know you, work with you at Five-Star at Wheeling College and follow your inspirational life and career.

To honor Paul as a great sports figure--three hall of fame honors, outpouring of love by former players, knowledge of  sports history, and on and on is impressive as it stands, but Paul was much more than that.  I knew him in the last years of life, not in the peak of health, and yet he touched me:  I saw a truly remarkable person.  I read one of his books and listened to his stories which I easily identified with.  We both were second generation Americans--his account of a Grandmother with a live chicken on the bus was similar to my family.  I plan to mention Paul's book in the acknowledgements in the one I am writing.  We will pray for you Paul--but Paul do put in a good word for us, as well.

Dear Mrs.Connie Baker,
Sad to here about the departure of your beloved husband. He was loved by many...but he also loved many...he loved his family dearly.He had great compassion for others. What more can be asked from a human being. May the lord grant you and your family peace and serenity now and always.
Yvette and family
Tampa fl.

Mrs. Baker,
I was a basketball manager for Coach Baker & Snuffy Smith from 1970-1974.  Your husband was a remarkable man.  He never looked down upon anyone and he always was able to keep everyone pumped up.  I made a lot of nice friends, most of them players during my time there but Coach Baker will always be remembered as a man of class and honor.  I wish I would have stayed in touch after graduation....that is my only regret.  My family and I have been saying prayers for you and your family.  I still cherish all those memories working for "The Coach".

Dear Connie, 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family on the passing of Paul. He was an inspiration to me at the Universiy of Baltimore and he will be missed. CCBC Essex offers their condolences on this loss to the community.
Bob Aupperley & Woody Powell

The news of the passing of coach Paul Baker saddened me today, but in that it also brought back the memories of playing for him, and the lessons of life that was shared during this time! I will always remember him as a fierce competitor and a man who took a chance on me sight unseen! I will never forget your kindness and support! Rest in peace coach!! James Ferguson '79

So many knew Paul, the coach, but I was fortunate to know Paul the good neighbor, and most likely my biggest "fan" and advocate.  Lucky me to meet Connie who became my best friend when I moved to Easton 11 years ago.  Paul and Connie always have been a source of support, and became true and appreciated friends.  We - Lawson and I will always cherish the good times, good meals, and conversations shared over the past 11 years.  Our friendship endures, as do the memories we cherish of Paul.

Connie and the boys

I realize the boys are all grown men but I will forever remember you three as youngsters running around the Wheeling College gym with Bernie keeping a watchful eye.
It must be a great day in heaven because God obviously needed an opinionated coach to lead the discussions about basketball. I am sure he is telling Red Auerbach, John Wooden and company exactly what was wrong about basketball thru the years.

My thoughts and prayers are with you but please treasure the memories of "P.B." especially the smile that would light up any room.

Paul Baker was a man who brought a great deal of excitement to our sleepy Wheeling College campus in the early 70's- Filling buses with students to see our Cardinals play at Walsh College, Duquesne and Georgetown.  I thank him so much for the life her brought to our campus.  He was always wonderful to me and he will be greatly missed. My God send his blessings upon Connie, Steve and Nicholas and may His angels hold you in their loving arms.

Dear Connie and the boys it was a sad day to hear of the passing of Coach Baker. As a student and gym rat I remember Coach as someone, no matter how busy, always had time to spend a few minutes to talk sports or just talk about life in general. He had a great knack for making everyone around him feel special. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.

I'm so sorry to hear of Coach Bakers passing.  I managed the intra-mural program under Coach Bakers direction during my junior and senior year at Wheeling College.  After graduation, I would enjoy visiting with him during his trips to Charleston, WV for the WVIAC basketball tournament.

My deepest sympathy to Paul's family.  Not only was he one of a kind but he was one of the few people who believed in me and played a major role in launching my baseball career enabling me to accomplish my dreams that seemed unreachable.  My wife and I often talk about him being the only person who would keep his word to you. I have many stories and memories and will miss him in more ways than I can express.  Love you "Bakes" and I'll keep that special place for you in my heart.  God Bless You.

My sincere condolences to you Connie and the boys. I played for coach at Wheeling from 77-79

I was a student at Wheeling College when Coach Baker was there. I was one of the gym rats who played intramural basketball. Even though we weren't on his team, Coach Baker was always kind and supportive toward us. He did what he could to make our lives as students better and to help us succeed. He was a great and generous man, and I will always remember him with respect and admiration.

Dear Connie and Boys, my deepest sympathy to all.  I will keep all of you in my prayers. 
Mary Beth (Rine) Conkel

Dear Connie,Steve,Greg , and Nick : I extend to all of you my deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband and father. It was obvious how proud he was of all of you. I have such great memories of Coach Baker during my four years at Wheeling College. He had a vision of what he wanted Wheeling basketball to become, and pursued it with the utmost passion. Our time at Wheeling College was spent under his watchful eye. He encouraged us all to take advantage of our education to prepare for greater things in life. The successful lives of many past players are a testament to his teachings. I am proud to have been one of Coach Baker's  players. May he rest in peace!

Paul Baker was a real inspiration to me.  He was a phenomenal history teacher and one of the best -- if not the best -- basketball coach I ever saw.  He had the ability to wring exemplary efforts out of his players and elevate them to levels of accomplishment considerably beyond their physical talent.  I became interested in coaching basketball when I was a Freshman and Sophomore at Towson Catholic following his teams.  I wanted to coach the boys' team and bring them back to the levels which he achieved.  From the "life is strange" category I wound up coaching the girls and brought to that effort the passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to excellence that I observed in Paul.  
He was a unique, colorful,and wonderful individual who had a profoundly positive impact on me among many.  I will miss him.
God's blessings to Paul and to his family at this difficult time.  You all will see him again.
--Gus Grason

Dear Connie, Steve, Greg , and Nick,

I am saddened to hear of  Coach Baker's passing . He had such a positive impact on my life and so many student- athletes over the years . He was not just a great coach, but also a person who cared very deeply for his family, team, and university. His relentless effort to put the Wheeling Jesuit basketball program on the map is quite a story in itself. He dreamed big for all of us on those teams,  yet focused small on the game and our education .  After 4 years with Paul, I was certain I wanted to be a coach as well . With his leadership , my teammates and I experienced four of the best years of our lives.   I remain in close contact with many of those  teammates today because of that bond we formed playing for Coach Baker .  God Bless all of you in this difficult time . My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Dear Connie,

Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I never played ball for Paul but was sports editor of the school newspaper at Wheeling College when he arrived. He was the "new guy" but quickly reached out to me and made me feel like part of the team. I learned a
lot from Coach and it wasn't all sports. Those life lessons are still with me. I never kept in touch after graduation but Paul has always been in my fondest memories of this chapter of my life. With my deepest sympathy...

what a great man and coach at wheeling college who gave me my start as a coach in wheeling at wheeling college,,,,done it the hoop at the yound under coach coach and allow a man learn so much the game will my happen so much thank,,,,,see you in the thank later coach paul baker

Dear Connie, Steven, Nick, Greg and families,

I am terribly saddened to hear of Coach's recent passing. I can't begin to tell you how many fond memories I have of Paul during our short time at Wheeling College. I knew him as a mentor, a wonderful basketball coach and, without a doubt, the greatest raconteur of life and basketball experiences I have ever known. How can anyone forget the twinkle in his eyes or that maniacal laugh. He was the first "most interesting man in the world"!

Connie, I am so glad that we had a chance a few years back to spend some time reconnecting with you and Paul. We all cherish that wonderful evening with you and the Coach.

Please find some comfort knowing that Paul touched the lives of so many players, students, coaches, friends, family, associates and acquaintances. An exceptionally well lived life.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time of loss and grief.

I rember that Coach Baker brought the record Battle of New Orleans and played it in History class.  That just seemed so cool. 
My sympathy and prayers to Connie and the family. I always like the Coach.

Andy Seminazzi, Orlando, Florida
Towson Catholic High, Class of 1963

I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted by what is said at Ps. 147:3.

PB-We will miss you terribly. You were always so kind hearted and thoughtful. Olivia will always remember your interest in her sports and how she was adapting to Baltimore life. Lucas(3 1/2yr), your grandson, will certainly miss out on getting to know the gentle, sweet man so many of us were able to spend time with. Connie, Greg, Steve & Nick...keep re-telling the hilaroius PB stories, and treasure the special memories and time w/ PB.
Love Ya, Jennifer, Olivia & Lucas

I MET PAUL BAKER MANY YEARS AGO WHEN MY DAUGHTER AND NICK WERE DATING.  I WAS ALWAYS IN KIND OF AWE OF HIM, MOSTLY CAUSE I KNEW HIS SON'S. HE RAISED SOME CRAZY WILD KIDS, BUT THEY ALL HAD SOMUCH RESPECT FOR HIM THAT I KNEW HE HAD BEEN A GREAT FATHER.  ALTHOUGH NICK AND LAURA'S MARRIAGE DID NOT LAST, MY RESPECT FOR HIM NEVER WAIVERED.  JACOB WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME P.B. STORIES (Jacob WILL BE A GREAT STORY TELLER LIKE HIS DAD) AND IT NEVER CEASED TO MAKE ME LAUGH.  PAUL HAD A WONDERFUL SMILE.  IT SEEMED LIKE HE ALWAYS HAD A TWINKLE IN HIS EYE WHICH MAY EXPLAIN HOW HE DEALT WITH LIFE.  YOU WILL BE MISSED ALOT PAUL.  YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN THEIR HEARTS AND I SUSPECT, THE TWINKLE IN JACOB AND JACQLYN'S EYE.  GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND GOD SPEED.

P.B holds a special place in our hearts. We are so glad that we visited with him the past few years.  He now has a basketball team of Angels.  Connie and the family are in our prayers.  Butch and Jayne Sass, Ocean Pines, Maryland

I know in my heart my brother now is healthy and very happy. Somewhere he is starting a league of his own. When he married my sister-in-law he gained 3 brothers and another sister and for this I am so grateful. The only thing we leave behind are the relationships we have made. Sonny was/is a very rich man he touched so many lives and kept friends forever. Rest in peace until we meet again,all my love Jeannette

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Paul M. Baker

23 juin 1935 – 12 octobre 2013

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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