Donald Joseph Baker, 60, died January 7th after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born on April 19, 1944, in Waterbury, son of the late George and Anita (Begnal) Baker.
Donny is survived by his daughter Kaitlin Baker and son Matthew Baker, both of Mystic, and his daughter Leca Scott and son-in-law Ben Smith, both of Surry, Maine. He is also survived by four sisters, Anita Claire Gleason of Elk Grove, CA, Denise Mezzanotte of Southington, CT, Sharon Baker of Oakham, MA, Joan Baker-Potts of Coatesville, PA, and a brother Terry Baker of Virginia Beach, VA.
He was predeceased by a brother, George Thomas Baker III of Maryland, and a sister, Regina Baker of Unionville.
Donny attended Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, before continuing his education at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and St. Bonaventure Seminary in Olean, NY. He also took classes at Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport.
He worked for the Conn. Dept. of Mental Retardation, first at Southbury Training School, and then Seaside Regional Center and Camp Harkness. He retired in 1998 after 33 years.
Donny was the founder of Tinker’s Dream, an Irish folk band in which he was the lead guitarist and vocalist. He played in many Irish pubs throughout Connecticut.
Donny’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic. A Mass will be held at 11am on Thursday at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington Street, New London.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Cactus Jack Foundation, PO Box 145, Waterford CT 06385 or Hospice of Southeastern CT, 179 Gallivan Lane, Uncasville CT 06382.