Monte Baker

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting Wow... ... ... what a ride."

Monte Edward Baker was born August 11, 1952 in Harrisburg, PA to Barbara Jeane and Albert Baker.  Monte was born and raised in Steelton Pennsylvania and graduated in 1970 from Steelton-Highspire High School.   While attending Steel-High, Monte was very active in the Drama Club and acted in numerous plays and musical productions.  He so loved the theater that the caption under his yearbook photo affectionately stated "all the world is a stage, right Monte?"

An accomplished thespian and musician, Monte starred in several summer stock productions at the famed Tedd's Landing Dinner Theater in Selinsgrove, PA.

As a teenager, Monte's first job was proudly selling Jet Magazines and he was a stock boy at the P&J's Grocery Store on Front St. in Steelton.  As an adult, he worked for the old Bell Telephone Company as a coin collector and through much training and hard work, he advanced to a management level career with AT&T completing over 20 years of service.

In the late 1990s, Monte also earned his real estate license while continuing to work in the telecommunications field at several corporations in the city.  At his passing, Monte was employed by the PA State Police in Harrisburg, PA. 

Throughout the years, Monte continued to fulfill his passion for music and theater and travelled frequently to New York City to attend Broadway shows and productions at Radio City Music Hall.  Monte was an avid collector of all genres of music from the classical to jazz and blues.  He also worked on the sound crew for several local theater groups and sang professionally for the United Church Choir in Harrisburg, PA.

Although an enthusiastic NY Giants fan, Monte's heart was closest to his hometown Steel High Steamrollers.  He recently served as the President of the Steelton Pride and Legacy Club which supports the Steel-High football team. 

Monte was a devoted son to his mother, BJ Baker with whom he had a close and loving relationship throughout the years. She proudly referred to him as "Son"; he always called her "Babe".

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, Monte made a sudden, but peaceful transition into eternal life.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary W. and Jefferson Stevenson.  He is survived by his parents Barbara J. Baker and Albert Baker (Philadelphia, PA); sisters, Stephanie J. (Gainesville, VA) and M. Angela (Washington, DC); devoted and loving companion, Janelle Hersch and her family (Summerdale, PA) and Michele Zlogar Baker (Middletown, PA) widow and friend.

Services for Monte will be Wednesday, June 13^th at 11AM in the Hooper Memorial Home Inc. The viewing will be private. His final resting place will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.