William W. Baker, 80
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — William Wolcott Baker, 80, of 1388 Massachusetts Ave. died Monday afternoon, March 22, 2004, at home.
Born in Adams on June 4, 1923, son of William A. and Evelyn Bussiere Baker, he attended schools in Adams, including the former Adams High School. He also took a home-study course on carpentry to become a contractor.
A decorated Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, he served from 1943 until his honorable discharge with the rank of staff sergeant in 1945. He was stationed in Hawaii and served with the 868th Bombardment Squadron, participating in campaigns including New Guinea, the northern Solomons, Eastern Mandates, Bismarck Archipelago, western Pacific and southern Philippines.
Mr. Baker was employed by John W. Bond Estates Co. as the building superintendent of 85 Main St. until his retirement. He also had worked at the former Cornish Wire Co. in Williamstown and for several area contractors, including Fred Marsh and Gordon & Sutton Co.
He was self-employed for a short time and later was production foreman at the former Berga-Ullman Inc., building weaving looms. He had joined his father's business, William A. Baker & Sons Contracting Co., after the war and worked there for many years.
He was a communicant of the former Our Lady of Incarnation Church, now Our Lady of Mercy Shrine, and a former member of its Holy Name Society. He also was involved in the remodeling of the church. He was a life member of Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion, a past president of the former Lafayette Club and a former member of the local carpenter's union.
He enjoyed bowling and horse racing and was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a loving father and grandfather.
He and his wife, the former Norma Mary Urbano, were married Sept. 14, 1946, in St. Anthony's Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves four daughters, Patricia A. Campedelli and Lynne M. Burdick, both of North Adams, Nancy J. Strauss of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Lisa J. Whitney of Williamstown; a son, North Adams Police Officer William D. Baker of Williamstown, and 13 grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three brothers and a sister, Florence Shedlock and Robert, Donald and Earl Baker.
FUNERAL NOTICE — William W. Baker died Monday, March 22, 2004, at home surrounded by family. The funeral will be Friday at 9:15 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated at 10 at Our Lady of Mercy Shrine, Massachusetts Avenue, by the Rev. Daniel J. O'Hear, pastor of St. Anthony's Church.
Burial will be at a later date in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Leukemia Society in care of the funeral home.