Richard Newman Baird was born in 1925 to parents Lester F. Baird and Margaret Newman Baird in Bellefonte, PA. He passed away August 15, 2023 at Providence Place, Lancaster. He graduated from Bellefonte High School 1943, and in 1944 joined the Navy, and married his high school sweetheart, Carmen Hess Baird.
He was stationed in Guam in the South Pacific during WW II. When he returned home he got a job with Bell Telephone of PA in Centre County and was transferred to Lancaster in 1957. He retired as a supervising manager of the Repair Center July 1989 after 42 years of service.
Carmen was not only the love of Dick’s life, she was his friend and companion. They were married 49 years. Together they raised three children: Thomas R Baird (Dianne); Sandra Jean Baird; and Nadena B Ament (G. David ). They had 5 grandchildren, Kristin Nicola, Sandra Elizabeth Henderson, Caitlin Baird Teague, Nathaniel Ament, and Janene Ament and ten great grandchildren as well as step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren all of whom he loved. He is predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his sister Jean.
Although he was very happy in Lancaster, his heart always remained in Milesburg, PA. The eldest of his very large extended family, he strived to keep close connections with them and enjoyed researching and writing about his family’s genealogy. Carmen’s siblings and their families were an integral part of Dick’s life.
Music was a prominent avocation. He found great joy in harmonizing as a teenager in pick up quartets on street corners in Milesburg and singing in and directing church choirs of various ages in Milesburg and at Grandview United Methodist Church in Lancaster. The most thrilling experience for him was singing with the 100 voice Great Lakes Naval Training Base Chorus. When he was in his 40’s he learned how to play the trombone and that set him up for delightful years with the Lancaster Bell Telephone Sound of Roses Big Band. During gigs, when he hadn’t disappeared to the dance floor, Dick was playing his trombone or directing this exceptional band until he was 87 years old.
He was a committed, longtime member of Grandview Church of Lancaster serving the church in many capacities through more than five decades. Dick lived out his faith by serving others and the church and expressed his love of God through his music.
Dick was a member of the Masons and was one of the founders of the America Legion in Milesburg. Dick also served on both the Trcziyulny Cemetery and the Milesburg Museum Boards in Centre County.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor and laughter, his love of nature, his desire to serve others, his commitment to family, and his self-taught musical abilities and the joy those talents brought to him and to many others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grandview Church, 888 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at the family’s discretion. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to missions or music at the church or organization of your choice.
Dick and Marge Trout says
Our thoughts are with the family at this time. He was a special person to many and although his human life is out no eternal life will shine forever.
Diane debord says
What a very special human being! Dick always was quick to laugh and an extremely kind gentleman. I never knew his extensive music experience and was amazed to learn all of that from his obit! Thanks to the family for sharing that information!
No doubt he’ll be greatly missed by many, but he really did live life to its fullest.
Harry Gaul says
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, Dena and Dave. Harry and Judy.
Faith and Bob Martin says
Dick loved his friends in the Sound of Roses. He and Carmen often invited us to their home for picnic and holiday gatherings. His thoughtfulness and kindness will always be remembered. Rest well, Dick, and don’t forget to pack your trombone for the Heavenly Big Band.
Love from Faith and Bob
Jere Breneisem says
Dick will be missed by my wife and I as I was fortunate enough to work with him at Bell Telephone of PA and play in the Sound of Roses band for over 40 yrs! He was an amazing guy. I still play in that band and will always remember him as a great mentor!
Esther Schutz says
What a beautiful life he lived! So very inspiring and thankful to know his beautiful daughter, Dena! His love of music and serving others lives on thru her!
Tom & Jane Benton says
I first met Dick (although I don’t remember it much) when he first came to Lancaster and came to my house as Santa Claus. Then in 1978 Dick thru Dena recruited me to play trumpet in the Sound of Roses Big Band. What great times we had and I’m still playing in the band. Dick was a thoughtful and caring friend. Jane and I send our condolences to the family. Keep the music coming in heaven.
Tom & Jane Benton
Edwin Clay “Baird” Wahlgren says
Dick and myself shared our ancestral heritage with our Great Great Grandfather Rev. Edwin Clay Baird. We met as a result of DNA testing from Ancestry.com. I was notified by Dick’s daughter Sandy and we arranged a trip to Lancaster and Milesburg. It was great to meet Dick and Sandy and a few extended cousins. It was wonderful to meet members of my ancestors and thank Dick and Sandy for their hospitality.
Bill Rhoads says
I knew Dick when I was a young man, when he was a leader of the Boy Scout group in Milesburg as was my dad at the same time in Centre Hall. When I moved to Lancaster Dick and I crossed paths several times in musical things. Rest in Peace buddy. You were a great man. Bill Rhoads
Pieter Hegeman says
Dick lived a full life and was loved by many and will be missed by all
Pieter Hegeman says
I will always remember his sense of humor and when I plowed the snow to open his driveway to see him sitting in his chair and playing music to wave to me thru the window .His favorite ice cream was butter pecan which I went out to get for him that snowy day
Rest in peace Dick and listen to your music and enjoy your butter pecan all day long!
John and Susan Van Vactor says
I have always heard the name Dick Baird mentioned by my parents, Ralph and Clara Rimmey – always with affection. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I met Dick for the first time. He has an unforgettable presence about it. An easy smile, an even easier laugh, always a hug and never a sour word. He was so fun to be around. Oh the stories! I will treasure sweet memories of Dick and the joy he would bring when he would visit the farm in Pennsylvania.
Susan and Steve Schultz says
So sorry for your loss – your dad was a jewel.
Steve and I loved the history lesson he showed us surrounding Lancaster.
Sandy, your dad was amazing. I feel your loss – our dads can never be replaced.
I love you dearly
Susan
Mary Bressler says
What an amazing cousin! More my uncle as there was 27 years between us. I live in Milesburg PA. Dick’s hometown that he loved dearly. We spent many a Memorial Day together stomping through Milesburg cemeteries.
I will miss talking with him and reminiscing about ancestors that have gone before us. He was a “tower of knowledge ” our Baird Matriarch!! Give all a big hug up there for me. I’m sure you were welcomed with a big smile and open arms..Love you always..Mary
Paul Bowers says
I first met Dick at the Sheckler’s Christmas Eve parties in the 1980’s. Later, we sat next to each other in the trombone section of the the Sound of Roses Big Band before he took over the director’s job for several years. We thoroughly enjoyed teasing each other, always with a smile on our faces. He was/is an unforgettable personality and a special human being.
Barbara Dorsey says
Rest in peace, Dick Baird. You were always one of my favorite persons to talk to & interact with on the job. I will always remember your great sense of humor & your sense of humor.
My condolences to the family.
Barbara Dorsey
Lorianne Bressler says
Dick was always a joy to talk with. Mark loved his conversations with him regarding family history or Milesburg history. What a life he lived. My deepest condolences to all of his family
Rick and Pam Dill says
Rick and I have fond memories of Dick visiting our home in Williamsport. Mary Hess Dill and Dick enjoying reminiscing as they walked though our memory room at the “old homestead” at 2300 Grampian.
Laughing and sharing stories! So sorry for your loss what a special man!
Pam and Rick Dill
Chris Orzech says
I will always remember Dick as a guy with a smile on his face, with an offer to help whenever you needed it. I worked with Dick at Bell Telephone, and also played in the Sound of Roses big band. We shared many great memories playing in that band! Rest in peace, Dick, and play that trombone in heaven’s big band forever!
My condolences to his family.