John P. Baker of South Boston, formerly of Hyde Park and Norwood, passed away July 24th at the New England Medical Center in Boston. He was a Veitnam Veteran having served his country in the U.S. Navy and he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in South Boston for many years. Johnny Baker was an avid fisherman, camper and gardener. His South Boston garden won him several awards in Mayor Menino’s Garden Contest.
He was the devoted father of Kimberly A. McKinney and her husband Kirk of Dedham and Michelle L. Baker of Randolph. He was the grandfather of Kirk R. McKinney Jr. and Jacob D. McKinney. He was the brother of Warren Baker and his wife Esther of Walpole and Nancy Baker Meehan and her husband Ted of Medway. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held in the P.E. Murray-George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Thursday at 1:00 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday morning prior to the service from 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will be private. A celebration will be held following the funeral service at the B.P.O Elks, Spring St., West Roxbury from 2-5 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made for a memorial in John Baker’s name to Fund for Parks & Recreation, Boston Parks & Recreation Department, 1010 Mass Ave., Boston, MA 02118.