LAKE LUZERNE – Richard J. Baker Jr. 92, passed away January 17, 2018 after a brief illness.

Born October 19,1925 and raised in Rochester NY, the 5 ^th of 6 children, he was the son of Richard J. Baker Sr. and Theresa (Koerner)Baker.

After serving in the Navy, he graduated from Rochester University with a degree in commercial art. Following a love of theatre, Richard performed in NYC and in the movies with such notables as James Cagney and Billy Burke. Summer stock also took Richard to many parts of the country where he learned his craft in every area from costume design, stage construction, and performance.

Richard's many talents included a sharp mind for accounting and bookkeeping, working on Madison Avenue in Manhattan for book firms.

Moving to Lake Luzerne in the 1970's he and his lifetime partner Joseph Bombace, aka Joseph Baron, created the Corinth Theatre Guild where they delighted audience with their original productions. The elaborate costumes and clever direction entertained audiences for many years.

Along with Laura Roth, Richard and Joe performed in dinner theatre at the Georgian Hotel in Lake George under the Theatrical Artists Corp for 12 years. Starting in the 90's these productions were taken on the road throughout the New England States.

For many years Joe and Richard operated a beauty parlor and art gallery on Canada Street in Lake George where he charmed and entertained the customers.

Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially for his caustic Irish charming wit, encyclopedic knowledge of anything Broadway or legitimate theatre, exquisite style and generosity.

Those left to cherish his memory are his partner of 54 years, Joe Bombace of Lake Luzerne; his sister Theresa Bender of Rochester and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be conducted Thursday January 25,2018 at 11 am in Corinth at the Holy Mother and Child Church, Palmer Avenue by Father Ken Swain. All are invited to attend the service to celebrate Richard's life.