CHICOPEE ~ Earl J. Baker, 98, of the Aldenville section and a former resident of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. He passed into Eternal Life at Renaissance Manor on Cabot in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on June 10, 1921, the beloved son of the late John J. and Cora M. (Gladu) Baker. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II and attained the rank of Sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. Following his military service, he attended the University of Illinois. He was employed as a commercial photographer with New England Etching in Holyoke. He was a communicant of Saint Anne Church in Chicopee. During his leisure time, he enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and loved home decorating whether it was his own home or any of his family members or friends’ homes. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Claire M. (Bienvenue) Baker who was Called Home on October 8, 1995. They were married on September 4, 1948 at Precious Blood Church in Holyoke and were blessed with over 47 years of happiness together. He leaves his two beloved daughters, Linda S. Lakota of Chicopee and Sherry A. Hurley and her husband, Michael, of Longmeadow; his four cherished grandchildren, Cathleen A. Lakota, Raymond O. Lakota and his wife, Melinda, Thomas P. Hurley and Joseph E. Hurley; his three cherished great-grandchildren, Alec Lakota, Brody Lakota and Matthew Brewer; and his many dear friends. His funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of his family. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
