Obituary of Gerald Baker

Colonie - Gerald L. Baker, Coach Baker, 79, passed away on December 8, 2012, at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born in Gloversville, NY, he graduated from Springfield College in 1957 after his education was temporarily interrupted for three years in the Army during the Korean War, where he was a physical therapist at Walter Reed Hospital. He received his MA from Ithaca College and began a 35year career as a physical education teacher. However, his passion was football. He played as a student in Gloversville, and then played at Springfield where he was team captain during two undefeated seasons. He went on to coach in Gloversville where he had two undefeated seasons (1958, 1962), Rome Free Academy where he had two undefeated seasons (1965, 1966) and a 15-0-1 record, and at Linton High School from 1967 to 1985, where his record was 30-20-3, with 24 straight wins. He also coached at Union College and RPI. He was named Metro Coach of the Year in 1966. Jerry also successfully coached both boys and girls track and wrestling while at Linton High School. He victoriously coached Linton in the 1985 final annual Linton-Mont Pleasant football game (33-0) before retiring from coaching and teaching in that year. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Vickie Parker; three sons and their wives, Glenn and Vicky Baker of Naples, FL, Kurt and Amanda Baker of Lafayette, LA and Dean and Elizabeth Baker of Houston, TX; and eight grandsons, Colin, Nick, Kelly, Graham, Ryan, Austin, Landon, and Kurt Baker. His brother, Don Baker and sister, Margaret Berner of Gloversville predeceased him. He has always been a quiet man, modest about his achievements. Jerry was always willing to help someone in need and was truly a Gentlemans Gentleman. He enjoyed visiting with many of the men he coached and he coached with. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, 12 noon at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. An hour of visitation will precede the service from 11 to 12. Interment private.