Retired Warwick Fire Department Captain Richard C. Baker Dies at 78
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Retired Captain WFD Richard C. Baker (78) passed away at home in Warwick, RI, on July 19, 2023, he was surrounded by his family and close friends. Richard, fondly known as Rick, was born to Edgar and Vivian Baker on January 22, 1945, in Cranston, RI. He was a graduate of CCRI where he earned a degree in fire science. After high school, he spent time in the Navy. He spent the next 30 years as both a Warwick Firefighter and in the Coast Guard Reserve, as well as working as an EMT for 20 years. After retirement, he was a member of The Coast Guard Auxillary.
Rick was a boating enthusiast who had a boat before he had a car and enjoyed a lifelong passion for the ocean. He was a true "Rhode Islander" and loved visiting Beavertail lighthouse and going on annual trips to Block Island. He enjoyed both riding on trains as well as model trains as a hobby, an interest which he shared with his grandson. He enjoyed watching Nascar racing and going to Seekonk Speedway, watching and going to Boston Bruins and Providence Bruins games and going for drives with his dog, Billie. He was a devoted husband, a trusted friend and a loving father who cherished his time with his young grandchildren, who knew him as "Grampy". He was easy going and easy to talk to, happy to spend hours talking or just listening. He lived a life full of love, respect and integrity and had a wonderful sense of humor with a contagious laugh. He was very loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years Debra McLaughlin Baker R.N., as well as his two children and two grandchildren. His son, Dr. Christopher Baker, daughter-in-law Xiao Baker and granddaughter Cara Baker. His daughter Ashley Plummer, his son-in-law Ryan Plummer and grandson Oliver Plummer. Also his sister Loretta Botelho, her husband Keith, his brother Larry Baker, his brother Raymond Baker as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Sharon Vieira.
His wake will be held at Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick on Monday July 24th from 6-8pm, funeral Tuesday for close friends and family only. Donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, in his name will be greatly appreciated.
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way." -Unknown
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