Shawn M. Baker

Shawn Michael Baker, Watertown, passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 23, 2025.

The son of Kenneth and Wilma Baker, Shawn was born February 16,1953 in Watertown. He grew up on Davidson Street, attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, and was a proud Northsider!  

Shawn graduated from Immaculate Heart Central in 1971.  He was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball.  He was quarterback on the first undefeated 11-man football team at IHC in 1970.  This team was inducted into the IHC Hall of Fame in 2014. Shawn was inducted into the IHC Hall of Fame as an individual athlete in 2016. Shawn treasured his lifelong neighborhood and high school friendships. He was also proud of his Irish heritage, and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with JoAnn’s annual corned beef and cabbage dinner.

He played for the 1972 Watertown Royals semi-pro baseball team and later continued to play on numerous local softball teams in Watertown and Adams. He enjoyed attending the Royals 50-year reunion held in May of last year.

Shawn graduated from Ithaca College in 1975 with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education.  In 1981 he graduated from St. Lawrence University with an M.S. Degree in Education and continued on to earn NYS certification in School District Administration. 

Shawn began teaching Physical Education at the Union Academy at Belleville in 1975 along with coaching basketball, baseball and soccer for several years, leaving a lasting impression on many.  He became High School Principal in 1984, the first year of the merger between Belleville and Henderson Central Schools.  In 1991 when the new central school building opened in Belleville and the merger was complete, he became the K-12 Building Principal for the combined Belleville Henderson Central School District.  He remained in that position for twenty-three years, serving more than thirty-two years in the BHCS District. He maintained friendships with several of his former players and colleagues.

Shawn served on the Frontier League Executive Committee for several years.  He coached T-ball, Midget League, and Grasshopper League baseball.  He also coached boys and girls youth basketball at Holy Family School where he had fond memories of coaching both of his children. Shawn loved his NY Yankees, Notre Dame football, SU Orange, and the Boston Celtics.

Shawn married JoAnn (Carlos) Baker on June 23,1979 at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown.  JoAnn and Shawn met in high school and proudly celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last year.  Shawn’s first priority was his family.  Besides his wife he is survived by his two children Kelly (Dan) Daugherty and Kyle (Santina) Baker both of Watertown.  He is affectionately known as “Papou” to his five beautiful grandchildren: Caitlin and Brendan Daugherty and Alessandra, Siena and Elsie Baker.  He was so proud of his family and they were the greatest joys of his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Claudia (Roger) Draper, Watertown and their children, Kenneth Draper, Toby (Jennifer) Draper and Katey (Ben) Secor. Also, his sisters in law, Maria Kent and her companion George LaFex, Watertown and her children Jeffrey Kent and Julie (Dave) Mooney, and Ann McGowan and her son, Michael (Ellen)Chatfield, Connecticut.  Ann’s daughter, Elaine Chatfield sadly passed away in 1994 at age 22.  He also has several great nieces and nephews and enjoyed following their sport activities and accomplishments. Additionally, he has several close cousins.

Shawn was a long-time member of the Watertown (Thompson Park) Golf Club.  The highlight for him was winning the 2001 Member Guest Tournament while playing with his nephew, Kenneth Draper.

Shawn volunteered and helped organize the IHC Booster Club Golf Tournament for several years, and served on the IHC Hall of Fame Committee.  He volunteered at the Salvation Army Old Newsboys Days, was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 61, the Italian-American Civic Association, a member of the Watertown Catechetical Board, and a communicant and usher at Holy Family Church.  He was also the proud President of the Moore Ave Drive Association!

In retirement JoAnn and Shawn enjoyed several trips to Europe.  They also visited several National Parks across the United States.  The highlight for Shawn was visiting Ireland.

Calling hours will take place Monday, March 3rd from 4-7 P.M. at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home.  The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, March 4th at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Church. Burial will take place in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 and designated for either the Shawn M. Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund (to be established) or the Glenwood Cemetery Revitalization Campaign Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.dlcalarco.com

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