Joseph "Joe" Paul Baker, 80, of Fords, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on October 8, 2023. Joe was born on November 20, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA, and embodied the tough and gritty spirit of the "Steel City" which was exemplified throughout his decade battling cancer.

Joe left home in Pittsburgh at the age of seventeen and joined the United States Navy. He served stateside and following his naval career settled in New Jersey. He loved to talk about the many odd jobs he worked in these years such as nursing in an allergy clinic, selling pots and pans, or various traveling construction jobs. Eventually, he would settle into a long career as a Service Technician for Verizon where he met his wife of thirty-five years, Maria Baker (née Scolamiero). Joe possessed a tireless energy, and in his "retirement" worked a full-time schedule as a Real Estate Agent for several firms before settling in with Coldwell Banker Realty in Metuchen where he would finish his real estate career.  Aside from work, Joe was an avid volunteer for charitable organizations and community work. He was a Cub Scout Leader, coached Little League baseball in Fords when his children were young, and raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness and various food banks. For his final act, upon learning his cancer diagnosis was terminal, he began collecting cereal for We Feed Woodbridge, collecting thousands of boxes for those in need.

Joe taught us all how to enjoy both the simple and grandiose aspects of life. He had a deep appreciation for family and would be the light that shines brightest at a party. He taught us how to live through and overcome challenges, no matter how difficult. He taught us how to laugh despite pain and difficult circumstances.

Joe was predeceased by two sisters, Marion Veil and Janet Barabas.

He is survived by his wife, Maria E. Baker, of Fords; a son, Vincent Baker, of Fords; a daughter, Rebecca Baker, and her husband, Joe Mudrak, of Fords; a granddaughter, Julia; a brother, Dwight Baker, and his wife Jean, of Pittsburgh; and a sister Shirley Schlieper and her husband, Jim, of Pittsburgh.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 4-8 pm, at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863. Funeral services will begin Friday, October 13, 2023, at 10:00 am at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church. Donations in Joe's honor can be made to We Feed Woodbridge, located at 2 George Frederick Plaza in Woodbridge, NJ.