Robert W. Baeder passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. His beloved wife, Helen Jean Baeder, predeceased him. Bob was 87 years old at the time of his death. He lived in Paradise Valley, Arizona and was a former resident of Fairfield, Connecticut.
Bob was born and raised in Parma, Ohio. During his childhood he worked at the family grocery store with his parents Walter and Anne and excelled in school. He was also a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with several Palms. After graduating from high school, Bob went on to Case Western Reserve University and earned a BBA before receiving his MBA at Ohio State University. Later, through the Ford Foundation Fellowship and a grant from the General Electric Company, Bob earned his PhD from Ohio State University. He was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.
In 1952, Bob served in the Controller's Office of Air Training Command Headquarters as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1954. While serving in the Air Force he met and married the love of his life Helen Jean, but before he could go back to teaching at Ohio State University, the General Electric Company hired him.
During his thirty-three years with the company, Bob was a Manager for many divisions. From 1969-1971, he was the Vice President of the General Learning Corporation- a joint venture of Time, Inc and General Electric. From 1972-1977, he was Manager Strategic Planning and Business Development, Industrial and Power Delivery group. In 1977, Bob became the Staff Executive for Strategic Planning and Business Development Operation for the General Electric Company. SBUs for this operation included Semiconductor, Factory Automation, Aerospace, Mobile Communications, Medical, Process Automation, Motors, Construction Equipment, GE Supply, and Industrial Service. He also served as Director for GE Corporate Business Development Council, GE Venture Capital Company, and GE Automation Ltd with Itoh in Japan.
Bob traveled all over the world for business, but after retiring from GE, he retraced old steps in a leisurely way, and added new and exciting destinations to his itinerary. Known as "The Doctor", Bob loved to play golf, and scored three holes in one during his lifetime. He was a member of The Patterson Club for over forty years. While in retirement, Bob finally found his way back to teaching via the University Of New Haven's Executive MBA program.
After retiring from UNH in 1993, he and Helen permanently traded in cold Connecticut winters for a beautiful view of Camelback Mountain. His family and friends will miss his phone calls, which always began with a very cheery, "Greetings from Sunny Arizona!"
The enduring twinkle in his eye and his remarkable intellect will truly be missed. He was a teacher and mentor to many, but most of all; he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. The world will not be the same without him.
Bob is survived by his children, William Baeder (Sherri Goldman) of New Canaan and Elizabeth Jones (John) of Fairfield and two grandchildren, Wade and Alexander Jones.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT 06824.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 160 Hill Farm Road, Fairfield.