Douglas J. Baker

Douglas John Baker died on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Most beloved husband of Ramona Arena Baker and brother of Laurel Hoffman (Gary), Jeffrey Baker (Jane) and the late Janice Berardelli. Uncle to Jeffrey J. Baker (Emily James), Jason Baker, Anna Berardelli-Knowles (Byron), Jill Berardelli, Luke Berardelli (Mary), as well as four Hagans, two Burklands, five DeFalcos and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews with three more on the way! Doug was born on March 27, 1952, the second of four children of John Edward Baker and Elizabeth Alice Baker, née Mantick. Born and raised in Avalon, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Avalon High School in 1970, then attended Thaddeus Stevens Trade School. Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 16, 1975, receiving the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Medal. Upon separating from the military with an honorable discharge on December 15, 1979, he served in different capacities with the General Services Administration of the U. S. Government for nearly 32 years while attending college at night to earn his bachelor's degree. Doug loved the rain, the outdoors, hunting deer, small game and waterfowl, and anything on or involving a boat! For many years he was active in the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA ) and the North Boroughs Sportsmen's Club, serving for some time as North Boroughs' representative to the Allegheny County Sportsmen's League. When young, he and his brother competed in motocross events. Doug loved motorsports, drag racing in particular, and, in his 40s, Doug got a Harley and had a lot of fun traveling around. He loved going to Carlisle and other swap meets. In the past few years, he spent many hours on various golf courses in different leagues. In addition to his wife and siblings he is survived by wonderful cousins and over 30 nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces who adored him and who he adored and of whom he was so so proud. He derived great joy from spending time with all of them. Visitation will be at the Thomas Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd., 930 Center Avenue, Blawnox, PA 15238, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet at 10 am at the funeral home on Thursday, July 20, 2023 for a service at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Allegheny Cemetery. Donations in Doug's memory may be made to Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, 135 Clelian Heights Lane, Greensburg, PA, 15601.

Douglas J. Baker

March 27, 1952 - July 15, 2023