Ralph D. Baker, Jr.

TOGETHER AGAIN

Ralph D. Baker, Jr., of Brookfield, Ohio, was reunited with his bride, Raella, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, following a brief stay at Cortland Healthcare Center. He was 86.

Ralph was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on August 22, 1938, a son to Ralph D. Baker, Sr. & Martha (Roberts) Baker.

He graduated in 1956 from Sharon High School. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted with the U.S. Army to help defend our flag and keep our country free. He was assigned to the Det A of the 7th Signal Support Unit of the Signal Corp. He received a Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged from his duties with the rank of Specialist (E-5). He loved his country and was proud to serve!

Following his return home, Ralph worked at G.A.T.X. and eventually landed a position at Packard Electric, as an Electrician. Here, he dedicated his service to the company before retiring in 1999.

His memberships included: Brookfield Christian Church; past Worthy Patron and past Grand Marshall of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #518, Hartford, Ohio (now Opal Chapter #181, Cortland, Ohio); past Master of Jerusalem Lodge #19 F&AM, Hartford; Fireman for the Brookfield Township Volunteer Fire Department; and honorary member of the Brookfield Township Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, painting ceramics, fishing, golfing, and bowling. He loved cheering for the Cleveland Indians. In addition, Ralph obtained his private pilot’s license. He believed in being genuine and serving his community. He could always be found throughout town alongside his wife, Raella, and most notably at the Brookfield Diner.

Survivors include: his children, Bonnie Rosati (Chuck), of Streetsboro, Ohio, Karen Stinard (Scott), of Cartersville, Georgia, Wendy Gilliland (Craig Conley), of Masury, Ohio, and Brian Baker, of Sharon, Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren, Zack & Frank Gilliland, Anthony Rosati (Shelby), Andrew Rosati (Amanda), Anna Rosati, Tanner Stinard (Kandace), Lonna Baxter (Jacob), Kaili Corbin (Corey), Sebastian Baker, Schuyler Baker, & Spencer Baker; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Ann Schollenberger, of Havre, Montana, and Martha Smith (Bill), of Hermitage, Pennsylvania; many nieces & nephews; former wife, Annie Baker; and countless close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be planned and held at a future date.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his bride, Raella Mae (Montgomery) Baker, whom he married March 29, 1976, she passed January 23, 2025.

As suggested by his family, material contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (or) www.stjude.org

Coordination of this tribute for Ralph was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Box 551, Brookfield, Ohio 44403 (330-509-3135).