RONALD V. BAKER

NEWBURY, Mass. – Ronald V. Baker, 76, husband of Patricia Rand for 54 years, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, at his home. He was born Oct. 6, 1932, in Bradley, the son of the late Leo and Thirza (Rowell) Baker. He was a graduate of John Bapst High School, Class of 1950; Maine Maritime Academy, Class of 1953; and the University of Maine, Orono, with a master’s degree in Latin. He is a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Navy and also the Merchant Marines. He taught French and Latin while heading the foreign language department at Hamilton Wenham Regional High School from 1962 until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture, fishing and writing. He is survived by his wife; and his children, Maria R. Desrosiers and her husband, Roger, of Bradley, Christopher L. Baker and his wife, Lisa, of Salem, N.H., and Bernadette H. Allen of Newbury, Mass.; his grandchildren, Gina Hardy, Tina Mirable, Jared Peterson, Laura Nicholson, John Rasmussen, Bradley Baker, Skye Allen, Luke Allen and Jeremy Baker; several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughters, Sabrina V. Petersen and Melissa P. Deboid; and his brother, Russell Baker. Funeral services will be private. Funeral arrangements are by Twomey LeBlanc Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport, Mass. www.twomeyleblanc.com