Obituary of Dr.Augustus Lynn Baker

Augustus Lynn Baker, Jr. Longtime Dover resident, surgeon Dr. Augustus L. Baker, 95, of Hopatcong passed away at home on May 26, 2010. He was born in Dover in 1915 and attended local schools, graduating from Newark Academy. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1936 and his doctor of medicine from New York University in 1940. He served with the 9th U.S. Army during World War II in Europe, rising to Lieutenant Colonel and receiving 4 battle stars. When he returned, he joined his father’s medical practice in Dover and took residency training in surgery at French Hospital in New York and at Lahey Clinic in Boston. He was president of staff at Dover General Hospital from 1958-61 and attending surgeon at both Dover and St. Claire’s hospital in Denville. He was president of the Medical Society of New Jersey in 1980 and continued his medical practice until his retirement at age 70. Dr. Baker was an active member of Rotary for 51 years, including service as district governor in 1987-88. His service to the Dover community included 25 years as a volunteer fireman, fire commissioner, police surgeon, 11 years on the Dover Board of Education, two terms as an alderman, and service on many local boards. He was an elder of the First Memorial Presbyterian Church. A devoted family man, he enjoyed sailing, skiing, golf, and hiking with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was commodore of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club and a member of a number of historical societies, including Founders and Patriots and the Dover and Hopatcong historical societies. In retirement, he also took up amateur “ham” radio. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean, 5 children: Karen Hudgins of Salt Lake City, UT; Susan Baker of Ridgefield, CT; Augustus Baker III of Mendham; Adrienne Baker of Pleasanton, CA; and Eric Baker of Greenwich, CT; and 7 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Clares Foundation, Dover Campus,In memory of Dr. Augustus L.Baker Jr., 140 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Viewing is on Friday, May 28, 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State Route 10, Randolph, (www.tuttlefh.com) and funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 29, at 9:30 AM at First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover.