HUDSON FALLS – Ronald James Baker, also known as Ron, Ronnie, Bomber, Dad, Uncle Ron, and Papa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of February 1, 2025, at the Washington Center in Argyle.
Born on July 13, 1951, Ron was the second son of the late Donald and Ruth Baker. Ron grew up in Fort Ann, NY. He loved all things sports related and was a three sport athlete while attending Fort Ann Central School. He played 8-man football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. He got his nickname Bomber from Coach Sheridan while playing sports, and many from Fort Ann continued calling him that for the remainder of his life.
After graduating from Fort Ann in 1969, Ron went to college at Alfred State University, earning a certificate for electrical work, and HVAC. He returned to the area in 1971, and started working with his father for Washington County DPW, where he would work until retiring in 2007. He could be found plowing the roads in the winter and even conducted Plow Safety at the Washington County Fair. Upon retiring, Ron started his own business, Baker’s Electric. He loved helping people hook up generators and would often take his girls along to help.
In 1972, Ron was set up on a blind date with Arlene Wood. Mutual friend Arlene Greene, a fellow Fort Anner and teacher, set them up to go for a snowmobile ride. Arlene hopped on the back and the rest is history. She couldn’t help but fall in love with those crystal blue eyes and kind heart. And let’s not forget- that epic mustache!
Ron and Arlene were married on August 6, 1976, in Tupper Lake, NY. They settled in Hudson Falls, NY, eventually buying a house. They welcomed their first daughter, Janet in 1983, and their second daughter Sara in 1986. Ron’s girls were his world. He loved being involved with them in all aspects of their lives. Between piano recitals, softball games, plays, award ceremonies, musicals, concerts, and more- he was there.
Ron loved sports, and continued to be involved with sports in a number of different ways. For years, he bowled on different leagues. He was a season ticket holder for the Adirondack Red Wings, and later on with the Adirondack Thunder with his daughter Janet. He coached softball teams with Hudson Falls Girls Softball and was instrumental in building the fields that are now used. He attended every state basketball tournament, often with his nephew Jim, and went to all kinds of high school games- his favorite being his daughter Sara’s volleyball games that she played in and later coached. Ron loved being with his family, and loved to attend NASCAR events and attempt to canoe on trips. Ron drove a van during the girls’ childhood- and that van was often filled with people attending one thing or going on vacation with his girls- including his sister Sue and “sister” Linda. It was affectionately known as the Bakermobile!
In his later years, Ron became very involved with the Kingsbury Fire Department. He loved Monday night Bingo- and could be found calling games there. He enjoyed helping set up and take down and bringing home the leftover hot dogs at the end of the night. He also loved hanging out with his late friends Red and Don. However, Ron’s biggest joy at the end of his life was his three granddaughters. There was no one else who could light up a room for him like Amy, Anna, and Ella. He would just sit and watch them play, and smile from ear to ear.
Besides his parents, Ron is predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Jeanette and Arthur Wood, his sister-in-law, Carol Benson, sister-in-law Deborah Baker, his sister by choice, Linda Beaudette, his nephew, Gregory Benson, and his dear friends Red, Duck, and Buddy.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 48 years Arlene Baker, his daughter Janet Pratt (Michael), and his daughter Sara Baker (Chad); granddaughters Amy Pratt, Anna and Ella LaFountain; brother Tom Baker, sister Susan (Gary) Allen, sister Nancy Carpenter (Craig), and sister Beverly (Mike) Bruster and nephews Rick, Charlie, Jim, Scott, Brett, Kevin, and nieces Beth, Katie and Jenny, along with several great nieces and nephews, and friends he considered family- especially Brian Hesseltine.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10 to 12 noon at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Kingsbury Hose Company, 3715 Burgoyne Avenue, Hudson Falls NY 12839
The family would like to send a very special thanks to Ron’s ladies at Washington Center: Star, Cassandra, Jessica, Marina, Shelly, Tanya and many others. You made his last days better and helped us too.
