Ralph H. Baker Jr.

Ralph H. Baker Jr., aged 95, passed away on March 16, 2025 in Ocala, Fl. Ralph is survived by daughters, Diana (Victor) Cintron and Kathleen Barquet and son, Ralph “Chip” (Sheri) Baker and by sisters, Roberta Schneider and Rae Hoglen. He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Katherine (Stan) Cintron-Lue, Belen Barquet (Miguel) Mota, Emily Barquet Baker (Justin) Little, Gabriel (Catherine) Cintron, Jorge Barquet, Carolyn (Willy) Rullan, Michael (Tara) Cintron and Diana Laura Barquet-Baker. Ralph was great-grandfather to Cameron, Bryce, Leila, Julian, Kali, Eva, Gabriel, Elijah, Luca, Stone, Stark, Sebastian and Ana Sofia. Ralph was pre-deceased by wife, Carolyn D. Baker, daughter, Reverend Laura Jane Baker, sister, Phyllis Privett, brother, William Baker and son-in-law, Jorge Barquet.
Born October 14, 1929, in Philadelphia to Roberta Mae and Ralph H. Baker, Ralph spent his early years on a farm near Altoona, PA and grew up in Philadelphia. As a youngster, Ralph worked selling newspapers and shining shoes. He recalled strategizing to best locate his shoeshine set-up to meet the soldiers coming home from World War II. Ralph moved to South Jersey where he attended Swedesboro High School. There he played football and basketball and met his future wife, Carolyn Dawson, in freshman English class.
Ralph served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and then in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1947 until November 1952. While home from Europe on leave from the Army, he married Carolyn in January 1952 and returned to duty in Austria, Germany and Italy. In later years, he served with the 1175th Army Reserve Transport Unit A based in Pedricktown, NJ.
Ralph earned his high school diploma via the “GI Bill” at Temple University High School, his Bachelor of Science (Physical Education/Biology) at Temple University, his Master of Science at the University of Michigan and 30 additional credits in Guidance at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). Ralph was on the swimming and soccer teams while at Temple University and worked as Intramural Assistant/Athletic Trainer while at Michigan.
Ralph taught at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School, Pennsauken High School and at Kingsway Regional High School in Swedesboro. Over the course of his career, he taught seventh and eighth grade Math and Science, Biology, Drivers’ Education and Guidance. His children recall making weekend visits with him to the biology lab at Kingsway on weekends to feed the snakes and fish, Baker also cared for an iguana that someone named Ralph. During his teaching career, he also coached track, basketball and football and served for two years as Kingsway’s Athletic Director. Ralph coached Kingsway Regional High School’s Dragon Swim Teams from 1983 until 1999. On March 22, 1999, Ralph Baker was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame,
Most summer “vacations” were spent lifeguarding. He particularly cherished the memories of his lifeguarding days at Lake Narraticon in Swedesboro from 1960 until 1969. Locals may recall the whistle and the “Take Ten” command and the rescue board no one was allowed to touch, Ralph actively served in the Swedesboro Kiwanis and played cards with family in Upper Darby and Swedesboro Raccoon Club members. He was a co-owner of the Swedes Sport and Hobby Shop for a few years. Especially dear to his heart was participating in the Swedesboro Memorial Day Services for many years. He enjoyed road trips to Michigan, Florida and various soccer fields across South Jersey. On his many trips to Puerto Rico, Ralph was notorious for striking out on his own to explore the beauty of the island while his family was at work and school. In his late 80s and early 90s, he also made trips to Texas for weddings, baby showers and just to be spoiled for a while. He was a member of Centre Square Union United Methodist Church and helped with many events there including Bicentennial celebrations, a study of the life of John Wesley and annual Pre-Advent suppers.
Ralph spent his last two and a half years in Ocala Florida. Despite significant health challenges, he was able to enjoy quality time with daughter Kathleen and family. He passed peacefully with son Chip, Kitty and grandchildren by his side.
Come celebrate 95 great years Thursday June 19th, 2025, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway Swedesboro NJ and tell a great story about Ralph at the 10 a.m. Storytime service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Swedesboro Memorial Day Fund.