Albert Baker, 80, of Clermont, Florida, passed away, Thursday, December 20, 2018, at his home surrounded by close family and friends. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and a counselor to many. Above all, he loved the Lord and was a follower of Christ.
Albert was born December 12, 1938, in Hillsborough, Carriacou, of Grenada West Indies, to Samuel and Angelina (Williams) Baker. He attended Hillsborough Government School. After leaving school, he worked in his father’s trade as a carpenter until he left for the United Kingdom for greater opportunities in 1962. After a brief stay in London, he moved to the town of Huddersfield in Northern Yorkshire, where he trained in several trades and began his lifetime career in automotive mechanics. In Huddersfield, he was reunited with a beautiful young woman from his hometown, Cecily McIntosh, who he took as his bride on October 20, 1968. After the birth of his two sons, Albert and Cecily immigrated to the United States in 1974 to live in Brooklyn, NY, where his daughter was born and where he remained for 41 years until his final relocation to Clermont, Florida in September of 2015.
Albert’s life was characterized by his devotion to God, his natural family, and his church family. From Hillsborough SDA in Carriacou, Huddersfield SDA in the UK, and Hanson Place SDA in Brooklyn to Goshen Temple SDA, where he spent 34 years, Albert served as a Sabbath School Teacher, Pathfinder, Missionary Volunteer, ordained Deacon, ordained Elder, and Head Chorister. At Goshen Temple, he received commendations for his dedication to ministering to the sick-and-shut-in, and for his work with children, which included leading Vacation Bible School and directing a church day camp for several summers. Most recently, he became a beloved member of South Lake SDA in Clermont, FL.
Albert had a passion for singing sacred music with a vocal range that spanned 1st Bass to 1st Tenor. He recorded two albums with a male voice group the Gospel Tones, sang in several other groups and choirs, and served as Chorister and Musical Director at Goshen Temple.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cecily of Clermont, FL, his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Shaundelle of West Virginia, his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Francine of Maryland, his daughter, Deborah of New York, and his daughter-in-law Roxie Monroe of Georgia; his eight grandchildren, Justin, Gabrielle, Michael, Brent, James, Christian, Jasmin, and Jordan; his siblings Uriah, Benjamin, Melita, and Lyborne, along with many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Angelina, his twin sister, Albertha, and his eldest siblings, Dorcas and Tobias.
A special thank you to the clinical and administrative staff at South Lake Hospital in Clermont, FL, Compassionate Care in Minneola, FL, and Right at Home in Taveras, FL, for their loving care and support during Albert’s final days.
Two memorial services will be held in recognition of Albert’s most recent domicile as well as the city in which he made his greatest impact. The first will be held in Clermont, FL at 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 13, 2019, at South Lake SDA Church, 101 S. Grand Hwy, Clermont, FL 34711, after a viewing from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the same location. The second service will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Mamre SDA Church, 1623-27 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234, at 6:00 PM after a viewing from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at the same location.The family will meet at 10:00 AM at Guarino Funeral Home on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 9222 Flatlands Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11236 for the procession to Pine Lawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale, NY 11735 for Albert’s final resting place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Brooklyn Music School, 126 St.Felix St., Brooklyn, NY 11217 in honor of Albert Baker.
