Paul V. Baker – August 25, 1920 – September 13, 2014

With great sadness we announce the passing of Paul V. Baker of Southbury, (formerly New Fairfield, and Ridgefield), age 94, on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Paul was a loving husband for 52 years to Mary Jane (Nash) Baker, and father to daughter Paula Jean Baker-Nitzan of Glastonbury, and son, Joseph Baker of Austin, TX. Paul cherished his three grandchildren, Sadie Baker-Nitzan, Anna and Katherine Baker. Paul was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna (Genga) Baldaserini, brother Primo and sister, Gina. He is survived by a brother, Gino Baldaserini of Ridgefield, and several nieces and nephews. Paul served in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corp as a Technical Sergeant manning control towers from 1942-1946. Upon returning home to Ridgefield, he became a reporter for the Ridgefield Press. He was recalled to active duty, returning to control tower operation with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, 1950-1951. Born Paul Baldaserini, he changed his last name to Baker when he started a 30 year career as a radio broadcaster at WLAD-AM in Danbury. Since Baldaserini started with the letter “B”, and, at that time, the control tower code word for the letter “B” was Baker, that’s the name he chose on a moment’s notice prior to going on the air for the first time. After the radio career ended, he, and his radio partner Abe Najamy, co-owned Channel 10 Television in Danbury, from 1977-1982. Throughout his radio and television career, his focus remained on local sports and community. He also owned and operated Paul Baker Advertising for 12 years. His fondness for the local community spawned a writing career, penning four books and numerous newsletters focused on local personalities. He also contributed articles to the Heritage Villager newspaper. He even wrote a yet to be published book of his own life, primarily for his grandchildren’s enjoyment. Rarely did a month pass without Baker serving as Toastmaster for any number of functions in the Danbury-Ridgefield area. He was a member of many clubs and organizations: Everett Ray Seymour Post American Legion; Italian-American Mutual Aid Society in Ridgefield; Catholic War Veterans; Heritage Village Country Club, where a tournament remains named in his honor; and a founder and past President of the Danbury and Ridgefield Old Timer’s Association. Many cherished friends and memories came from Baker’s 24 year association with the Southern New York Racing Association where he proudly served as Voice of the SNYRA. Baker received many honors. Some of the more notable were Paul Baker Day at the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY; induction into the Connecticut Duckpin Bowling Hall of Fame; induction into the Danbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame; recipient of the Danbury Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds Award; the Danbury Police Athletic League Civic Award; and Paul Baker Night at the Southern New York Racing Association. He also proudly served as co-chairman of the local Cerebral Palsy Campaign, co-hosting its annual Telethon. Among his fondest memories were his years playing Santa Claus for relatives and friends. Not a Christmas would go by without tales of Santa’s past challenges. An avid golfer, Baker carded four holes-in one, his most recent at the age of 90 at his beloved Heritage Village Country Club. The family would like to thank the wonderfully caring and supportive staff of the Visiting Nurses Association and Waterbury Hospital.

View Full Notice → Paul V. Baker – August 25, 1920 – September 13, 2014