IN MEMORIAM: Bart Baker

Bart Baker

Bart Baker, son of Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Stanley Baker (Class of 1999) and an industry innovator in his own right, passed away Jan. 3 in Leesburg, Fla., from complications from COVID-19. He was 78.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Baker was an accomplished artist. But he came back to pest management industry product manufacturer J.T. Eaton & Co., which his father had purchased in 1949 and he had grown up helping out in, to help it grow internationally. He retired in 2012 as senior VP of the Twinsburg, Ohio-based company, after working many years side-by-side with both his brother, Ben, and son Dale.

In addition to Ben (Janet) and Dale (Tabitha), Baker is survived by his wife of 23 years, Priscilla; children Rachel Calipetro (James), Jennifer Fullam (Jeff), and Michael Puleo (Lisa); and his brother in-law, Gregg Henry (Dale Walker). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Mackenzie Fullam, Madelynn Fullam, James Calipetro III, Megan Calipetro and Jacob Calipetro.

In the 1980s, Baker wrote the popular advertorial series “Bart Baker Speaks” for Pest Control (now Pest Management Professional) magazine. Per an article written at the time of his retirement, Baker “always enjoyed working with pest management professionals, whether it is demonstrating J.T. Eaton’s latest integrated pest management (IPM) innovation at a trade show or helping to troubleshoot a tough rodent or insect account on phone or in person.”

Bart Baker, right, with his brother, Ben, attended many industry trade shows on behalf of J.T. Eaton over the years. PHOTO: PMP ARCHIVES

The family notes that as “a lover of magic, Bart always had something up his sleeve. Anytime you would meet him. Whether it be a miniature mouse or coins for kids, Bart always met you by doing something to make you smile. Bart was a voracious reader, ‘expert’ (his words) fisherman, avid fan of the Browns and the Buckeyes, but most of all, he was passionate about his family. Bart was kind, generous and gentle. He loved to make people laugh and he loved his family and friends unconditionally. He will live forever in our hearts.”

Funeral plans are suspended until further notice. Memorial donations can be made to Temple Israel Ner Tamid or Temple Shalom Of Central Florida. The Pest Management Professional magazine staff extends its sincere condolences to Baker’s family, friends and colleagues.