Edward Thomas Baker, 94, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on June 12, 2024, at Halifax Hospice Center. He was born on December 2, 1929, in Long Island City, New York, to Edward Patrick Baker and Dorothy Lillian Weprek Baker.

Edward's passion for chemistry led him to become an expert in electroplating. He traveled throughout the Northeast, troubleshooting problems and selling products to multiple commercial plants. His dedication and expertise in his field were truly remarkable.

Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 75 years, Phyllis Estelle Nakielski Baker, his youngest son, Gregory Michael Baker and grandson Jason Baker. He is survived by six children: Barbara Caroline Melendez (Hector), Edward Thomas Baker Jr (Donna), Robert John Baker (Jane Sawyer), Janet Virginia Adams (Rich), Thomas Patrick Baker (Josina Akyuwen) and James Douglas Baker (Anne). Edward is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Locally, he is survived by two grandchildren, Kristen Melendez Dalton and Cynthia Melendez McNerney (Andrew), as well as great-grandchildren, Kaeli Dalton, Carly McNerney, and Drew McNerney. Grandchildren residing in Connecticut include Jodi Baker Zielinski (Eric), Jennifer Baker-Daniels (Michael), Suzane O'Conner (Steve), Jessica Baker Ziolko (John) and Chuck Marma (Valarie). Those living elsewhere are Keith Marma, Daryl Marma, Jesse Baker, Tom Baker, Joey Baker, Megan T Baker and Johnny Baker.

Throughout his life, Edward was a dedicated volunteer firefighter, joining the volunteer fire department whenever he moved to a new town. He received numerous awards for his distinguished service and selfless dedication to his community.

Edward had a deep interest in the news, politics, educational TV, and documentaries about how things were built and operated. He would engage in discussions about these topics with enthusiasm. In his leisure time, he enjoyed reading Popular Mechanics cover to cover before his eyesight diminished.

Edward and Phyllis settled in Florida after moving from Connecticut, where they shared a love for travel and community involvement. They enjoyed playing softball, Bingo, and riding their bikes around their community.

Edward, with his full head of hair and charming wit, endeared himself to all the aides and nurses cared for him so lovingly at Grand Villa of Ormond Beach. Edward took great delight in his favorite meal of shrimp with lobster sauce and a Diet Pepsi, when surprised with the dish.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on August 24, 2024, at 2pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church to celebrate his life. A visitation will be held on September 28, 2024 at 11am at the Guilford Funeral Home in Guilford, Connecticut. Immediately following, he will be buried alongside his beloved wife Phyllis in Guilford, Connecticut on at the North Guilford Cemetery so they may both rest in peace.

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