Walter David Baker

Poland- Walter David Baker, 98, died March 16, 2017, at Sunrise Senior Living in Poland. Walter was born in Cleveland, a son of Hubert and Loretta Baker on January 3, 1919. He worked in the accounting departments of several firms before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1942. Walter was a Tech Sergeant and worked in communications headquartered at Hickam Field in Hawaii, Manila in the Philippine Islands, and Japan. While on leave in February of 1943, he married Irma Leone of Youngstown. They lived in the San Francisco area until Walter was sent overseas. Following his discharge from the Air Force in 1946, Walter and his wife lived in Cleveland. In 1948, they moved to Youngstown, and then to the home they built in Poland.

Walter worked for the U.S. Post Office for 33 years as a clerk, an Investigative Aide, and finally as Assistant Manager of the Poland Branch Post Office. He was a past president of Branch 133 National Association of Postal Supervisors, a member of the Mahoning Valley Industrial Management Association, and a member of the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club.

Walter was a man of many interests and great humor. He loved a good joke and a great story, and he told many in his long life. He believed that "if you can read, you can teach yourself to do anything." His loves included animals, nature, literature, art, music, gardening, photography, and travel. He passed those interests on to his daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. During his years of retirement, he took his wife, Irma to Hawaii, Germany, England, Ireland, and Italy. Their 45th anniversary was celebrated with a Caribbean cruise.

Walter lost his beloved wife Irma, who he called "Little One," in 1990. He took solace in his grandsons and his walks with his dog in Poland Woods. He enjoyed reading and gardening and having a beer on his front porch with his grandson Adrian or his neighbor Bill Duchek. In 1992, after quietly taking flying lessons, he flew his first solo flight at the age of 73. In 2001, when Walter was 82, he had the great pleasure and honor of serving as the best man at his grandson’s wedding. Walter was unable to drive in recent years and was assisted in his home by wonderful care givers whom he called "his harem." His family wishes to thank Linda Shura, LaTasha Teague, and Neatrice Lewis for their loving care.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Walter was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Kalibab; a brother, John Baker; a grandson, Christian Amedia; and a niece, Loretta Leone, whom he and his wife raised.

Walter was a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Marilyn (Mara) Amedia and her husband Dr. Chester Amedia, Jr., by his grandson Adrian Amedia and his wife Christie, by his great grandson Avery Amedia, and by his great granddaughter Fallon Amedia. They lovingly called him "GG." He will also be missed by his little Boston Terrier, Abby. Walter lived a full and rich life, and he, in turn, enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cunningham Becker Funeral Home 270 N. Main St. in Poland and at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Holy Family Parish, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family requests that material contributions be made to Friends of the Library, c/o Debbie Liptak, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44503; or to Angels for Animals, 4750 West South Range Rd., Canfield, Ohio 44406; or to the Poland Forest Foundation, c/o Charles Rumberg, Pres., 7051 North Lima Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514