Charles C. Baker, 89

Charles C. Baker, age 89, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles came into the world on June 28, 1923, he was one of seven sons of the late John and May (Corliss) Baker.  Charles was born and raised in Woburn, MA, and was a graduate of Woburn High School with the Class of 1941 where he majored in Business.

Following High School, Charles enlisted in the United States Marines, first as Volunteer Marine Corps. Reserves, and then began active duty on September 14, 1942, during World War II.  Charles served overseas in the Asiatic Pacific Areas in 1942 and 1943, before returning to the West Coast.  Charles received several commendations for his fine service and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in February 1946, returning home to his family.

Charles was a hard worker and a very intelligent man.  Upon his return from the Marines he quickly went to work for McAlister-Bicknel Company as an instrument maker and machinist on hospital and laboratory equipment, all while continuing his education.
Charles was enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute and Northeastern University in Boston, where he majored in engineering and graduated with his degree in 1953.  He furthered his education at the National Metal Trades Association, Foreman’s Training Course in 1953 and 1954 and begun a great career putting his knowledge to good use.
Charles used his expertise and was employed by National Radio, Raytheon, Lincoln Laboratory MIT, and MICRO-BIT Corp.  He was involved in such projects as tool design for aircraft components for Boeing Aircraft, radar installation, automatic coater for protection of canned foods for the Armed Forces, cable designs, automatic paper folding machines for magazines, tool designs, radar mounts and dish design, optical units for film analysis, modification of KC135 research aircraft, data conversion units, design of vacuum chambers and development of electron optics, just to name a few.  Charles had a long and exciting career as a Mechanical Engineer before retiring 25 years ago to spend more time with his family.

Charles was an avid sportsman, in his younger years playing all kinds of sports.  As his children came along he became very involved with their sports.  He loved coaching their sports especially basketball and softball.  He enjoyed it so much he continued to coach even when they stopped playing.  Charles loved to keep busy.  In later years, Charles enjoyed white water rafting, deep sea fishing, bowling, golfing, his walks around Horn Pond in Woburn, and to participate in the adult volleyball program.  Charles continued his love of sports through his grandchildren.  He attended many of their sporting events, showing his support, and rooting them on.  They knew “Grampy” was their biggest fan.  Then there was the family gatherings.  Watching the Patriots, take in a Celtics game, play cards, board games and chess. He just loved spending time with his family and they with him.

Charles never lost his thirst for learning.  He was an avid reader, he loved to travel and see new and exciting things.  Charles loved to visit museums, national parks and forests, always appreciating what life had to offer.

Charles was a talented craftsman.  He enjoyed carpentry projects big or small and he was good at it.  He was an avid gardener, always sharing his produce with family and friends.

Charles will be fondly remembered for his unconditional love and devotion to his children, grandchildren, family, extended family and friends.  Charles was very proud of the family he raised and the people they have become.  You always knew when he was happy because he would “smile” with his eyes.  Charles was a wonderful, kind, and giving man who will be greatly missed by all.

Charles was the devoted father of Douglas Baker and his wife Cynthia of Rye, NH, Maureen Conway and her husband Frank of Derry, NH, Brenda Bruce and her husband Scott , Stephen Baker and his wife Karen all of Wilmington, and JoAnn Velozo and her husband Frank of Tewksbury.  Loving “Grampy” of Michael Baker, Lisa Baroody, Devin and Delaney Conway, Derek Bruce, Kara Pereira, Stephen, Jason and John Baker, Janell, Kayla, Eric and Emily Velozo. “Great Grampy” to Gus, Tyler, Owen, Cameron, Lucas, Kyla, and Madison, Dear son of the late John and May (Corliss) Baker, brother of Frank Baker of Lowell, Harold “Skip” Baker of Plaistow, NH, and the late Eben, Jack, Fred and Robert Baker.  Charles is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rt. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, March 18th, from 5-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box, 758517, Topeka, KS  66675.