ATHOL- Charles E "Porky" Baker III, 80, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2018 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner with his family by his side.
He was born on August 24, 1938 in Provincetown, to the late Charles E. Baker Jr and Evelyn (Stevens) .
He attended Athol High School, class of 1958. He then enlisted with the United States Air Force , proudly serving his country. After returning from the service, Chuck began to raise a family and earn his degree in accounting at Mount Wachusett Community College. In 1974, he began his career as the town accountant for Athol and served as town manager, retiring in 2002. He also served one term as a selectman for the town of Orange.
He will be remembered by his family as a storyteller. He loved traveling, and playing card games with his family and friends, he enjoyed listening to country music , and dancing with his wife Cynthia. He was an avid canoeist, racing many years in the annual Rat Race as well as traveling for other canoe races. He at one time was president of The Rat Pack Paddlers. Chuck was a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan. He also enjoyed his time deer hunting in VA with his cousin Bill.
He adored all his children and grandchildren unconditionally, biological or not, and was sometimes known as the tickle monster.
Charles leaves behind his wife , Cynthia ( Swartz) who he was married to for 36 years. Two sons, Jeff and his wife, Karen of Worcester, and Corey and his partner, Shelly of Royalston. Two daughters, Nancy Ouellette, and her partner, Mike of Athol, and Stacy Baker of Orange.
He leaves four step sons, Bob Marion and his wife Carol, Richard Marion, Ronald Marion, and David Marion and his wife Darlene. He leaves one step daughter, Rosemarie Mallette, and her husband Dennis.
He is survived by his brother, Tom Stott & wife Sue Ellen and his two sisters, Sharon Morse and husband Ronald; and Patricia Carleton.
Charles also leaves several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Daniel, his step son, Steven Marion, along with his brothers, Donald and Paul Baker.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 4 - 7 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the Mack Funeral Home, Fiske- Murphy Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Fri, January 4th at The Cornerstone Church of the Assemblies of God, 122 Gardner Rd., Winchendon. Those attending are asked to go directly to church.
Internment will follow at Tully Cemetery in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Athol Animal Shelter.