Richard J. “Dick” Baker of West Boylston, passed away peacefully after succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease on November 30, 2015 at Tatnuck Park in Worcester. Dick was born to Merton O. Baker and Alice B. Baker in their family home in Barre, MA on June 4, 1931 . Dick attended schools in Barre and was a standout second baseman on the High School baseball team. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, and subsequently transferred to Clark University, where he made the the Dean’s list, and graduated with a B.B.A., in Economics and Finance. While at Clark, he met the absolute love of his life who would become his wife of 59 years . He was drafted into the US Army immediately after College graduation, and sent to Germany, where he served with Operations and Intelligence, in the tank battalion, “Hell on Wheels”. On a leave from duty, he returned back to Massachusetts to marry his college sweetheart Carol H. Schotte. The two were married in Boston, but shortly returned to Baumholder, Germany to complete his tour of duty. His wife Carol would joke about his war injury. While climbing into a tank, one of his fellow soldiers inadvertently closed the tank door on his head causing a sizable gash. The wound was deep and quite bloody. It was sutured and he was quickly returned to duty with a headache and his helmet. After serving their country, the couple returned to Massachusetts, moved to Boston where Dick attended Boston University Law School, achieving his Juris Doctor degree.Carol worked throughout Law School, paying his tuition and earning just enough for living expenses.
Carol and Dick moved to Worcester after law school, and subsequently to West Boylston, where they raised their family. Dick secured a job at State Mutual Life Assurance Company (subsequently Allmerica Financial) and became a member of the Massachusetts State Bar, US Supreme Court Bar, Association of Life Insurance Counsel, Legal Section, American Council of Life Insurance, Worcester Economic Club and the Worcester Country Club. Dick rose through the ranks at Allmerica, (State Mutual), becoming The Vice President of Government Affairs. In this position, he helped manage grassroots campaigns locally and nationally with key state legislators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives and The U.S. Senate. He was responsible for the enactment of demutualization legislation, accreditation legislation, repeal of the net investment income tax among many successful efforts. His efforts had a tremendous positive impact on the company’s policyholders, shareholders, agents, and brokers. Nationally, he worked closely with Allmerica’s Trade Association and Washington Counsel to defeat the Treasury Department’s proposal to tax annuities, life insurance, health insurance and eliminate 401(k) plans. He participated with Washington Counsel in obtaining the charter for Allmerica’s Trust Company. He was actively involved in federal regulation with the SEC,and with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. After retiring from Allmerica, Dick worked as a legal consultant, and subsequently was employed by Savings Bank Life Insurance, SBLI, of Massachusetts, prior to reretiring at the age of 77.
Dick believed in service and generously gave back to his community for more than forty years. He was chairman and member of the following West Boylston committees; Board of Zoning Appeals, The Finance Committee, The Personnel Board Study Committee, The Sewer Facilities Study Committee. He was elected several times to the School Committee, the Board of Commissioners, as well as the West Boylston Municipal Lighting Plant. He was a volunteer for the local Boy Scout Troop 51 and was a strong supporter and participant in the local chapter of the American Legion and the Freemasons of West Boylston. He enjoyed fishing opening day yearly with his family. Together, all enjoyed eating tuna fish sandwiches while trout fishing in the wee morning hours, every second Saturday in April. He frequently took his family to Fenway to watch the Red Sox play. He passed on his love for fishing,and baseball to all of his children and grandchildren. Above all, he taught all of us never to give up and that if and when you fall, you stand right back up again.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol S. Baker, his children and their families, Laurie Bartholomae of West Boylston, Richard J. Baker Jr., of Madison, WI., Scott C. Baker of Round Rock, Texas, seven grandchildren, Alexandria B. Baker, Abigail B. Baker, Andrew R. Baker, Carissa A. Bartholomae, Constanza A. Bartholomae, Alexa E. Baker and Justin L. Baker, his brother Merton Baker, sister Judith Palmer, and several nieces and nephews.
Thank you to all involved in the care of our father. Rahab Mwaura,Elizabeth Gakonde, Jane Rodriguez, Jane Musonye, and Christine Kilonzo. Your care and thoughtfulness is appreciated more than you know. Tracy Robideau, from Hospice, your end of life care was extraordinary. Jason McCann from Tatnuck Harbor Unit and the entire staff in Harbor, thank you for your compassion, your patience and your humanity. The Cardenas Family, Lily and Robert for your love and care. We are indebted to you all.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 5th at FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 W. Boylston Street, W. Boylston. Visiting hours will also be held on Saturday from 11:30 until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Boylston Fire Department, Ambulance Fund, 39 Worcester Road, West Boylston, MA 01583.