Robert "Bob" Dean Baker, 82, of Macungie, PA, and formerly a longtime resident of Concord, MA died unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, January 25th, 2025.

Born in Cambridge on December 31st ,1942, he was the beloved son of the late Stillman H. Baker and Evelyn (Bingham) Baker of Concord.

Bob was well known in Concord for his legendary reputation as a champion athlete in both baseball and basketball during his adolescence, when his natural athleticism & oversized catchers mitts for hands helped him shatter several town basketball records.

Bob served in the United States Airforce from 1962-1968 as a jet mechanic specializing in the F-100 Super Sabre jet and the F-4 Phantom fighter during the Vietnam War. Stationed overseas in Hahn Germany, he continued his baseball career as a catcher for the championship 1966 Hahn Hawks in the USAFE Germany Conference.

Bob was known as "Coach" to many local youth in Concord during his years as a well respected and cherished coach in baseball as well as his daughters' "BakerBall" travel basketball teams.

Bob was a self-employed master electrician in Concord and surrounding towns for over 30 years after which he kept his skills sharp while helping his son-in-laws with their own home projects during retirement.

In 2019, Bob's daughter Amy and her husband David convinced Bob to move to Pennsylvania, and with the help of family and friends, his new house quickly became a home for him that he loved. Bob enjoyed his time spent at home and could often be found in his recliner, gazing out his picture window, listening to "Runaway" and other 50's tunes, or watching black and white movies while enjoying a treat from his secret stash to satisfy his lifelong sweet tooth.

When the weather allowed, Bob enjoyed walking with his daughter and her dogs, sitting on his front stoop reading the paper, chatting with his neighbors and passers-by, playing volleyball in his backyard with his granddaughter, and visiting with the neighborhood kids. He became an integral part of the community and the neighborhood, walking to the local grocery store to chat with friends, attending neighborhood cookouts, celebrations and Christmas parties, and becoming a member of the local gym where the phrase "Be Like Bob" was coined to represent his inspirational perseverance through his commitment to being the best version of himself every day.

During his golden years, Bob loved reflecting and sharing stories with his family and friends from the earlier chapters of his life. He would proudly flip through his scrapbook filled with aged photos in shades of gray, and tattered newspaper clippings, speaking fondly about his Air Force teammates and how much he treasured his many memories from the ball field as both a player and coach.

Lovingly called Grandpa by his four granddaughters, he spoke of them with such delight and found fulfillment supporting them in their volleyball and softball activities. You could always count on him for his official postgame report, sharing his two cents about the coaches and the game. He was almost always up for a good time, whether it be tubing and attempting to waterski at the lake, a high stakes game of poker around his kitchen table, or making tik toks with his granddaughters, he found the most joy in the company of family.

Bob was such a kind soul, always greeting everyone with a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. He made friends wherever he went, and when he looked at you with those soft, warm blue eyes, you instantly felt happy just by being in his presence. He was humble, thoughtful, fun loving, and charismatic. He would give his last penny to anyone who needed it. He was truly a shining example of how God wanted us to treat one another.

He is survived by his daughters, Amy Rumpf and her husband David Rumpf of Pennsylvania, Amanda Fontana and her husband Michael Fontana of Bridgewater, MA, and his four adoring granddaughters, Hailey, Emma, Olivia and Norah. He is also survived by his former spouse Nancy Baker (O'Neil) of Concord, niece Laurie MacLaughlin of Concord, nephew David Baker Jr. of Concord and their families, and sister in law Sharyn Baker of Stow. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronnie Baker of Concord and David Baker of Stow.

A cookout style celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 31st at the pavilion at Verrill Farm in Concord from 4 - 6 pm. All who knew him are invited to stop by for a bite, to raise a glass and to share stories and laughter in honor of his life.