Donald Benoit Baker's Obituary
It is with deep sadness Donald Benoit Baker, 93, of Palmetto, FL passed away March 15, 2026. He was born April 7, 1932, in Putnam, CT to Viola and Henry Baker. Donald, along with his wife of 60 years, Pilar Bouffard Baker (deceased) raised six children, Earl Reed, Wayne Reed (deceased), Marie Reed, Carmen Lanzaratta, Danielle Vanleeuwen, and Jonathan Baker (deceased). Along with Earl, Marie, Carmen, and Danielle, he leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Donald joins his brother, Roger Baker of Norwich, CT, sister Joyce Baker Duff of Dayville, CT, and sister Dorothy Baker Nachajko of Dudley, MA.
Donald was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish, whether in various lakes throughout the country, or in the open ocean. He was a master fisherman, regardless of where he cast his line. He also loved to hunt. Many a time he would come home from a hunting trip with enough game to fill his family refrigerator and the refrigerators of all his neighbors. He loved scuba diving, grunion hunting, playing piano, organ, guitar, and harmonica. He played musical instruments by ear----never having to read a note.
Donald had a true gift of storytelling, captivating all those around him with stories from his childhood and stories describing in minute detail the experiences and adventures throughout his life.
One of Donald’s most accomplished achievements, one that he spoke of proudly, was his time in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne. He was a very proud veteran, and rightfully so.
In his very early 90s, long past being able to hunt or fish, Donald took up painting. He painted the scenery he held in his mind of deserts, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and oceans----the places he once loved to spend time.
A wonderful son, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend----he is and will always be missed!
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