John 'Jack' Francis Baker, Former Owner Of Lobster Shanty, Dies At 85

Courtesy of Pable Evertz Funeral Home:

John "Jack" Francis Baker, formerly of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, passed away on November 9h at his home in Richmond, Maine. He was 85 years old.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kathleen Baker; his son John Jeffrey Baker and his wife Virginia, of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey; and his three daughters, Kim Papalia and her husband Anthony, of Brielle, New Jersey; Holly Gross and her husband Peter, of Brunswick, Maine; and Alisa Coffin and her husband Wesley, of Bailey Island, Maine. Jack was predeceased by his first wife Virginia Hartman Baker. He is also survived by nine grandchildren.

Jack was the son of a fisherman and started working with his dad on fishing boats when he was 14 years old. As a young man, he would fish during the day and at night serve his catch at the four tables on the side of the family home on Channel Drive in Point Pleasant Beach.

After a stint in the Army as a cook, that early familiarity with seafood ultimately led to his first restaurant "The Lobster Shanty" and he spent most of his life in the restaurant business. Jack never lost his love of the water and boating and was often accompanied by his beloved dogs. He was a fervent fan of the New York Giants and later, the New England Patriots. He enjoyed telling stories, and he loved to laugh. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Pable Evertz Funeral Home, 901 Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant, New Jersey, starting at 11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter Aspen Corporate Park 11480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 301 Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

Image: Patch file photo