Edward J. "Ned" Baker

Retired Wilbraham Police Sergeant and a member in one of the first classes to graduate from Minnechaug Regional High School (1962) Edward J. �Ned� Baker, 71, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born July 28, 1943 in Brookline, Mass., his family moved to Wilbraham in 1958 when he was 15 years old. He counted many longtime town residents and members of the police community as his friends. He was a member of the South End Camping Club, a group from high school who remained close friends until the day he died. Ned was a leader in many professional policing organizations and represented the town bringing Jimmy Fund donations to Fenway Park. He earned a bachelor�s degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England College. Ned served his country as a seaman in the U. S. Navy, 1962 to 1964 serving on the U.S.S. Vigil a radar picket ship. He was appointed as a patrolman in the Wilbraham Police Department in 1967 and was promoted to sergeant in 1969. He was a firearms instructor for the department for many years. He retired in 1997. Ned was president of both the Massachusetts Safety Officers Association and the New England Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association. Over the years Ned led the Peach Festival Parade in his cruiser. He was a member of the Ludlow Elks and a charter member of the Wilbraham Horseshoe Club. Ned was an avid fan of Formula 1 Grand Prix racing and attended many races at Watkins Glen, N.Y., Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, and attended the Canadian Gran Prix in Mosport, Ontario. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He leaves his wife Carolyn Nietupski Baker, son Adam Baker, daughter Christine and her husband Loren Hooey. He leaves his beloved grandchildren, grandson Addison Baker and granddaughter Breanna Hooey. He leaves a brother Francis and his wife Jacqueline of Hardwick, Mass. a cousin and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, A. Davis and Rose Baker and brother Richard. The family wishes to thank members of the Wilbraham Fire Department and the staff of Wing Hospital and Baystate Medical Center for its care of Ned. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ned�s name to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift .