Abraham “Abe” Baker passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024 at the Williams Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. Abe was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 5, 1937 to the late Ali and Anna (Waranowitz) Baker. 

Abe attended Bushwick High School and was an avid athlete. He was signed by the Binghamton Baseball League, a New York Yankee farm team, on September 7, 1955. He played in the Nebraska Farm League but then transitioned to fast pitched softball which began his lifelong passion. He played for many teams throughout the northeast including Local 57 of Providence, Interstate Battery of Worcester, Franklin Cardinals and Olympia Athletics of Portland, Maine to name a few. His career concluded in 1990 with his induction into the Softball Hall of Fame 1990. 

Working for American Cable and Radio in Manhattan, Abe met Sue Ann Whelihan and they were married in 1961. They moved to Cranston, RI in 1966 where they raised their children Kevin and Diane and were married for 28 years. He worked proudly as a sheet metal worker for Union Local 17 which notable building projects included the Newport Bridge and the Hospital Trust building. He spent his time playing cards, coaching basketball for St. Mark’s CYO and CLCF league. 

After retiring in 1988, he met Sandra Saunders and the two made their home in Punta Gorda, FL where they worked in real estate and Abe became a contractor building homes. He established roots in Charlotte County for over 34 years and made many friends. He was a loving son-in-law to the late Paul and Betty Desjardins. After Sandi’s passing in 2013, Abe spent time playing in local poker tournaments in addition to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He would enjoy his frequent visits to Rhode Island and New York and he most enjoyed his bi-monthly trips to Melbourne, FL to see his family and especially his great-granddaughter Haley. 

After Hurricane Ian hit the west coast in September of 2022, Abe moved to Melbourne, FL permanently to live with his son Kevin, his wife Debbie and their friend Ty Farmanian. When not watching sports and poker, Abe enjoyed discussing and analyzing everything football with Ty and planning their meals. He also liked to walk over to the Eau Gallie High School softball field to cheer on the girls’ team and offer some tips.

Abe will be remembered most for his love of sports including everything softball, basketball and football.  He was an avid New England Patriot and Boston Celtics fan. He loved listening to his 50s music, dancing at weddings, coaching basketball, beach days, playing poker and frequenting local flea markets. Abe lived to eat and appreciated good food including Pepe’s pizza, homemade pierogis and potato pancakes, all enjoyed with a nice cold can of Pepsi. 

In addition to his parents, Abe was predeceased by wife Sandra (Saunders) Baker, siblings Ismet Baker and Sundus Catik, and brothers-in-law Warren Andrews, Stephen McVicker and Carlo Dini. 

Abe is survived by his beloved sister Sofia Andrews of Sebastian, FL as well as sisters-in-law Helen Baker of NY, Gertrude McVicker and Patricia Dini of NJ, and John and Judy Dini also of NJ. His loving children Kevin Baker and his wife Debra of Melbourne, FL and Diane Milia and her husband Anthony of Glocester, RI. His cherished grandchildren, Joshua Baker and his wife Cara, Anthony “TJ” Milia, Marissa Baker, Christy Baker, Casey Collier and her husband Coltin, Joseph Milia and Anna Milia. His precious great-granddaughters Haley Baker and Blake Collier. Many nephews and nieces and their extended families will always cherish the memories of their loving Uncle Abe. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his granddaugther Christy Baker's GoFundMe.  https://gofund.me/bc360a2a

A celebration of Abe’s life will be held at the Ammen Funeral Home, 1001 Hickory Street in Melbourne, FL 32901 on a Saturday, November 16: 2024 from 1pm to 3pm.