On April 29, at the age of 74, Bishop Baker III of Cherry Hill passed away.
On April 29, at the age of 74, Bishop Baker III of Cherry Hill passed away. He was the adoring husband of Sandra (nee Coughlin); loving father of Jennifer Leonard (Sean) of Haddonfield, Ashley Legato (Damon), Chantry DeLessio (Frank) and Braeden Pashley (Scott) — all of Cherry Hill; adored grandfather of John, James & Glenn Foley, Brody & Reagan Leonard, Cooper, Lilly & Ava Legato, Colby, Harper & Frankie DeLessio and Taylor & Pippa Pashley; cherished brother of Susan Baker, Lisa Baker & Laura Scarantino and Dear brother-in-law of Jackie Cushman; supporter of the Children’s Special Olympics, St. Joseph’s Indian School and Philabundance.
Born and raised in Catonsville, MD, Bish was the cherished son of Dot and “Bake” Baker. Educated at Saint Marks Elementary School and Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, he went on to attend Loyola College. President of the student-athletic body and a scholarship athlete who wrestled and played lacrosse, Bish graduated a proud Greyhound in 1965. He served six years in the National Guard and was activated for the MLK and Baltimore riots. A 1969 vacation to Puerto Rico forever altered the course of his life. There he met and pursued his greatest love of all, Sandy. After only six months, on May 23, 1970, they began a marriage in Swampscott, MA that would span 48 years. Together, they raised their four daughters in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Bish enjoyed a successful career with Archer Daniels Midland for 32 years. Working as the East Coast Regional Sales Manager in the sweetener division, he retired at the age of 63.
Along with his ADM work travels, Bish loved serving as the voice of the Wexford Whales, his involvement in Indian Princesses, their two gourmet dinner groups and making Sandy, the girls’ interests and being home his priority. He was a gracious host, avid reader, snorkeler, gardener, cook and a wine connoisseur. Bish loved annual excursions to Maine, St. Thomas and Bethany Beach, along with getting to travel the world with Sandy and close friends. In addition to his five-day-a-week workouts, he enthusiastically embraced family traditions, living passionately and the relationships he forged with others. Always surrounded by his “favorite women,” Bish was ecstatic to welcome 5 grandsons first. The next 8 grandchildren were icing on the cake. Bish and Sandy spent the last 17 years of their love affair happily participating in and enjoying the activities of their daughters, sons-in-law and, their “Bakers’ dozen” grandchildren.
Bish’s family and friends are invited to celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m., at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in Bish’s honor may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053.
Arrangements by Kain-Murphy Funeral Services of Haddonfield, NJ.
