Obituary of Eugene F. Baker

Edison / South Plainfield - Eugene F. Baker, 80, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, February 13, 2014 at his son's home surrounded by his loving family. Born in NYC, he was raised in Jersey City and had lived in Elizabeth prior to moving to South Plainfield in the early 1960's. Gene settled to Edison in 1985. Gene had graduated from St. Aloysius High School in Jersey City and earned a degree in Accounting from Seton Hall University. Additionally, Gene served his country proudly as a veteran of the Korean War, serving proudly in the US Army. He began his career with Jersey Plastic Molding in Irvington where he worked for many years and never fully retired. He had been serving as their Executive Vice President. His faith and dedication as a devote Catholic were evident in the life he lead. Gene was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart RC Church, Knight of Columbus Council 6203 and avid Right to Life advocate and supporter. Gene served his church as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister and Knights of Columbus accomplishments are numerous. He was most recently name the State of New Jersey Knight of the Year for 2013 for all his tireless efforts since 1957 an honor bestowed upon a select few. He served in many capacities including, Grand knight, District Deputy, State Membership Director, State Family Life Director, State Morality in Media Chairman and Faithful Navigator. He was proud of assisting the pro-life movement locally by vigilantly protecting and advocating pro-family and pro-life activities in the state. Additionally, he assisted with the annual Special Needs Drive and he anonymously sponsored an annual Thanksgiving Day meal for local families. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending the Giants football games and has been a fan and season ticket holder since 1964, as well as , a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team. Predeceased by his beloved wife who died in May 2003, Anne H. (Harvey), surviving are his two children; Thomas Baker and wife Sally and Marybeth Baker all of South Plainfield, five grandchildren; Kenneth, Kristin, Karylanne, Kyle and Kristopher and five great grandchildren; Joseph, Ashley, Connor, Colton and Skyler. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield NJ 07080 followed by a funeral mass at 10AM in the Sacred Heart RC Church, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Entombment with his wife will follow in Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, South Plainfield. Family and friends may attend visitation on Monday February 17, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society.