Benjamin Beale Baker

Benjamin 'Ben' Beale Baker of South Dartmouth, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and esteemed community member, passed away on January 9th at the age of 84. Born on July 1, 1939, in Boston to Talbot Baker of Milton and Polly Nichols (Beale) of Boston, Ben was raised in Millis. He was predeceased by his oldest brother, Nicholas Jordan, and is survived by his siblings, Talbot 'Toby' Jr., and Hope Lincoln Baker. Ben also leaves behind his devoted wife of 41 years, Deborah Ann (Murphy) of Hyannis; his sons, Andrew Stevens Baker, his wife Amanda Waters (Calkins), and their children, Samuel Talbot and Anna Waters of Marblehead; and Alexander Lothrop Baker, his wife Kristine Nicole (Salm), and their son Cameron Robert of Charlestown. Additionally, he is remembered by a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and Deborah’s extended family.

Ben's formative years were marked by his graduation from Dedham Country Day School in 1951, followed by Milton Academy in 1957, where he excelled in several sports including football and ice hockey. Outside of school, a passion for sailing was nurtured during summers on the Cape at the family's home on Wings Neck in Pocasset. These experiences instilled a lifelong love for the sea, evident in his proficient sailing skills and treasured family memories around Buzzards Bay.

He entered Harvard College in 1957 and, after a brief hiatus to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard, graduated in 1962 with a BA in History. Ben's college years were not just about academics, he made many lasting friends and managed the ice hockey team(s), earning a varsity letter for his contribution. The Beanpot hockey games were very exciting times in Ben’s network during and after college.

Ben's tenure in the U.S. Coast Guard marked a significant chapter in his life, beginning as an enlistee in 1958. He steadily ascended the rates, ultimately earning a commission as an officer in the reserves before his retirement in 1985. His active-duty assignments were diverse, encompassing responsibilities such as lighthouse maintenance throughout New England, conducting safety patrols in the Caribbean, and engaging in Cold War readiness planning at the Coast Guard First District Headquarters in Boston to name a few. It was amidst this backdrop of service that he met Deborah, a fellow Coast Guard member. They were married in 1982. Ben's exemplary military career reached its pinnacle with his promotion to Captain, a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership.

Furthering his education, Ben earned a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1967. From there, his early career as a planner took him across New England, where he contributed to various municipalities. In 1970, Ben decided to move to New Bedford and take a position in the Model Cities Program. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed City Planner by Mayor Edward Harrington, a role which was subsequently reaffirmed by Mayors George Rogers and Jack Markey. With several years of planning under his belt, Ben shifted his focus to transportation, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) in 1974, where he served as its first Regional Manager. Ben came to love New Bedford for all its history and potential, later serving as the Chief of Staff for Mayor John Bullard from 1985 to 1987.

Outside of civic duties, Ben developed an interest in flight and became a small airplane pilot in the early 1970’s. His enthusiasm later grew into an airline venture called Southeast Air, based at New Bedford airport with a few routes around the Northeast and New Jersey.

Ben and Deborah joined Grace Episcopal Church in 1982, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to their faith and community. Following the catastrophic fire in 1987, Ben became the head of the rebuilding committee for Grace Church which spanned several years. He also served on the vestry as well as the lay ministry.

Post-civil service, Ben and Deborah combined their love for books and information with a commitment to enhancing education and literacy in the greater New Bedford community by venturing into the world of bookselling. He and Deborah opened Baker Books in downtown New Bedford in 1989 with the motto of “Purveyors of Information and Imagination”. The bookstore moved to a larger location on State Road in Dartmouth in 1995. Additionally, the Bakers expanded their reach with the opening of a few satellite locations, as well as a used book annex called Remains to Be Seen. Baker Books became a cornerstone of the community for 25-plus years before closing its doors in 2014.

Outside of work, Ben remained actively involved in many community and educational-focused organizations serving on the boards of the Wheeler School, Providence, RI; the Global Learning Charter Public School, New Bedford; the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford; Battleship Cove, Fall River; and the New Bedford Airport Commission, just to name a few.

An avid sailor, Ben found himself cruising with family and friends around the waters of New England any chance he could get, including several Marion to Bermuda races. He was elected to the Cruising Club of America in 1972 and was also a member of the Buzzards and New Bedford Yacht Clubs where he served on the board. In keeping with his affinity for history and tradition, Ben's love for wooden boats was profound. He co-owned the Herreshoff Fishers Island Sloop "Torch" with his brother Toby from 1968 to 1984. After her last voyage, Ben and Toby decided to donate “Torch” to the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol, RI, where she is one of their prized exhibits. In the early ’90s, Ben discovered his next wooden boat project with the Herreshoff Newport 29 "Teaser", followed about a decade later by the 1931 Herreshoff Motor Cruiser "Ariel II”, both of which were painstakingly restored by Ballentine’s Boat Shop in Cataumet, MA. Ben, Deborah, and the boys enjoyed many memorable times on the water over the years. Ben imparts a love for classic boats and a beautiful approach to life.

A great admirer of Sir Winston Churchill throughout his life, Ben loved Churchill’s quote, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Ben Baker's legacy is one of service, passion, and commitment, touching the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he served so selflessly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Development, 128 Union Street, Suite LL5, New Bedford, MA 02740.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00AM in Grace Episcopal Church, County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial is Private. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com