World War II and Korean War Vet, Long Valley Man Dies at 89

To say Franklin Baker, Jr. stayed busy throughout his life would be a gross understatement.

The World War II and Korean War veteran died recently at the age of 89, according to his obituary.

Baker, who last lived in Long Valley before moving to Paragon Village in Hackettstown, where he passed, was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and former vice commander with the American Veterans Association of Washington Township.

Born in West Orange in 1924, Baker served in the Navy from 1942 to 1947 and 1950 to 1951 during both World War II and Korean War. He worked as a mechanical engineer at Picatinny Arsenal before retiring in 1993. He also worked for Bendix Corporation, Dean Ward, the Kearny Police Department and New York Port Authority Police.

Baker was also a Literary Volunteer of America and English as a Second Language teacher, part of multiple chess groups and fulfilled many other civic volunteer posts.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sonja, two sons, four daughters, eight grandchildren and many extended family members.

Memorial donations can be made to Social Ministries – Zion Lutheran Church, 11 Schooley’s Mountain Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.