Gary Baker

Gary Philip Baker, 69, passed on to his new life in his home, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Gary was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His passion and integrity to his faith and to those he loved was unwavering. Gary was born on June 19, 1952 to Shirley Gerhardt and Philip Baker. He was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his three sisters, Shirley Anne, Phyllis, and Barbara. After graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1970, Gary went on to study Journalism at the Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University. He then built a long and successful career in sales, including owning and operating a local small business, The Chestnut Hill Newsstand. Gary married his loving wife, Ann in 1973. They went on to have six children, Maria, Jude, Andrew, Rosa, Joseph, and Gabriel. They also fostered fourteen infants through Philadelphia Catholic Social Services. In recent years, Gary enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports, as well as rallying for Philly college and professional sports teams. He also adored going for boat rides and hanging out in Ocean City, New Jersey. The depth of Gary’s faith and the example of his life affected so many and will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. Gary is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ann; his children, Maria (Jon), Jude (Beth), Andrew (Michelle), Rosa (Luca), Joseph (Kristi), and Gabriel (Jackie); his grandchildren, Jimmy, Angelina, Joe, Sean, Alice, Judah, Ann, Esabella, Luke, Beatrice, Jack, Eva, Francesca, Louisa, Violet, Luciana, and Lila; his mother, Shirley Gerhardt; his sisters, Shirley Anne Schrufer, Phyllis Casper, and Barbara Zorn (Jim); and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his baby granddaughter, Rosalie Baker; his father, Philip Baker; his step father, Fred Gerhardt, and his father in law, John Byers. Thank you to Dr. John D. Sprandio, Jr., who took such good care of Gary over the past year and who Gary loved. Thank you to Dr. Sprandio’s team at Crozer Health, Consultants in Medical Oncology and Hematology- Broomall. Thank you to Meeting Point Health and Dr. Margaret Kinnevy. This was his medical and care team who he believed in and who fought so hard along his side. Thank you, also, to Father Bob, Gary’s friend who ministered faithfully over many years to Gary and his family. A Funeral Mass for Gary will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10:00 am at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 East Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children (160 E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134) or The Miraculous Medal Shrine (500 E. Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144).