Jesse R. Baker ’76

It is with great sadness the class reports the death of Jesse Baker April 21, 2012, from pancreatic cancer, after an eight-month illness.

Jesse was born in Trenton, N.J., and graduated from Hightstown High School in 1970. He began Princeton with the Class of 1974 and graduated in 1976 with a degree in political science and certificates in Afro-American studies and teacher preparation. He was a member of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni and came back loyally to the P-rade, spreading much cheer along the way.

After Princeton, Jesse earned a combined J.D./M.B.A. from Hofstra Law School in 1979. He was a law assistant to New York Justice Israel Rubin in 1984 and eventually became a partner in the firm Gutman, Mintz, Baker & Sonnenfeldt in New York City, specializing in landlord-tenant litigation.

Former New York Gov. David Paterson delivered a remembrance at Jesse’s memorial service at Riverside Church, and the New York courts were closed for half a day.

The class extends deepest sympathy to Jesse’s wife, Beverly; sons Donnell and Jonathan; daughter Leah; his brothers, sisters, and many relatives and friends.

Jesse Baker will always be remembered with honor and affection.