Bradley J. "Bake" Baker, 67, of Rochester went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 23, 2021.
On September 11, 1954, Brad was born in Fulton County. He was the treasured son of Lyman and Angelina Pafundi Baker. During his high school years Brad was involved in instrumental and vocal music. He played major roles in theatrical productions of Tri-Epsilon and gifted with his voice, sang baritone with the Manitous. With three quick blasts of his whistle, he led the RHS marching Zebras as the drum major onto the RHS football field for the halftime show. He also helped fire-up the crowd leading cheers from the edge of the hardwoods during the basketball season.
Brad graduated with the Rochester High School class of 1972.
Music and theater were a life-long passion of Brad's. He was a member of the Fulton County Players and played his trombone with our local big band sound Tuxedo Junction. An avid SCUBA diver, he participated in many dives.
With diverse interests as an entrepreneur, Brad owned and operated "Auto Pro," an automotive parts store in both Akron and Rochester. Excelling in sales and customer service, he also owned and operated "Gunsmoke Firearms."
Most will remember Brad as an amazing friend, a good listener, and a practical joker with a great sense of humor. He was compassionate, always there to help others in need. Charisma and his bright smile were major components of his persona. Brad is remembered cruising around town in his maroon, 1967 classic Chevrolet Corvette. During the holidays Santa Brad, attired in his red suit trimmed in white, was the perfect man to liven up a party and distribute gifts to all who were in attendance. Usually, another family member posed as an elf assisting Santa with gift distribution.
Paramount in Grandpa Brad's life was his family, as he cherished the time spent with them making memories. Grandpa shared his intense love with all of the family during the holidays and special celebrations. He shared his talents of target shooting with the kids and grandkids and accurately hit the bullseye most frequently during the great afternoon of fun. Grandpa Brad was delighted to orchestrate the fireworks display at family picnics and summertime gatherings. Tender-hearted with all of his grands, Grandpa Brad helped raise Camden for several years.
Left to cherish Brad's memory are his partner Beth Stocking, Rochester; his children: Anne Marie Baker of Fort Wayne, Christine Baker, Kellie Scobie and husband Chad all of Rochester; five grandchildren: Camden Baker, Karsyn Baker, Seth Bradley Flenar, Amelia Scobie, Watson Scobie; sister Cathy O’Neal and husband Lou of Independence, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Meeting Brad at Heaven’s gate were his parents Lyman and Angelina.
A celebration of the life of Mr. Bradley J. Baker will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 30, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St. Rochester.
Friends may visit one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Pastor Terry Baldwin will officiate.
Burial will follow in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery.
