QUEENSBURY – Charles R. Baker, 96 , of Longview Drive in Queensbury, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, at the Pines Healthcare Center and Rehab in Glens Falls where he received outstanding care.
Born on December 12, 1918, in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Harry W. and Charlotte (Carhart) Baker.
In April of 1944 Charles married Elma E. Benton Baker with whom he had two children. Elma passed away in April 1980.
He married his second wife, Kathryn Carney Von Schenk in December 1981, and she passed way in August of 2000.
Charles graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1936. At Ithaca College, he received his Bachelor Science Degree in 1941 and his Master Science Degree in 1953. At Teachers’ College of Columbia University he participated in Advanced Study 36 hours beyond his M.S. with a major in Physical Education
Charles worked from 1941-1942 and 1946-1947 for Washington Irving H. S., Tarrytown, NY where he was Director of Athletics, Head Football Coach, and a teacher of Physical Education from 1942-1946. He served in the U. S. Army as a Field Artillery Officer, Special Service Officer, Supervisor of Divisional Swimming Program and Physical Reconditioning Officer.
He continued his teaching career at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey as Chairman of the High School Health & Physical Education Department, System Director Health, Safety & Physical Education, Director of Athletics, Head Football Coach (14 years), Head Basketball Coach (five years) and Head Baseball Coach (nine years). From 1971-1982, he was System Director of Health, Safety & Physical Education. The school system included five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, with a staff of 25 health and physical education teachers.
For 20 Years, Charles was swimming pool director, waterfront director in both day camp and overnight camps as well as Head Counselor at Camp Wigwam, Harrison, ME.
Charles was involved in Ivy League Football, Little League Baseball, Boys Club Basketball and was also active in the Football Parents Club.
His many honors and awards included the Hudson Falls High School 1st Team All Northern Conference in Football and Basketball, Ithaca College two time Associated Press All East Selection in football and honorable mention to Little All American Team in Football, Ithaca’s first such honoree. He was presented The New Jersey Interscholastic Coaches Association Award for outstanding contributions to the coaching profession in 1968. He also received the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership in Physical Education at Ithaca College in 1969. He was named to the 1930-1939 All Decade Football Team at Ithaca College. In 1971 he was named to Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame. In 1972 he was involved in the NJ Directors of Athletics Association and received the Award for Dedication, Service & Loyalty. In 2013, he was inducted into the Bergenfield High School Hall of Fame for coaching.
While residing in New Jersey, Charles was very active in the First Congregational Church, serving on the Board of Deacons and as Captain of the many canvassing teams as well as a member of the Board of Trustees.
He served as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the East Bergen Teachers Federal Credit Union, now known as Paragon Federal Credit. He was chairman of that union from 1985 to 1988.
In addition to his parents and wives, Charles was predeceased by a sister, Edna Baker Miller and a brother, Harry W. Baker Jr.
He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Baker Tritch and her husband, Ronald and his son, C. Glenn Baker and his wife, Leslie; a sister, Eleanor Baker Doty and her husband, Andrew; brother, Robert K. Baker and his wife, Jacqueline; and several nieces and a nephew.
Services were private and under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 or a charity of your choice.
