Gerald E Baines

Gerald (Gerry) E. Baines, 95, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024 in Westfield, Massachusetts. Gerald, son of the late Francis Arthur and Audrey Baines was born in Springfield on January 2, 1929. He grew up in Springfield and Hampden and graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1946. He had lived in Westfield for the past 67 years. He was a kennel master with his parents; an auto mechanic; and a precision machinist at B&E Tool Company in Southwick for over 30 years, creating parts for space shuttles, satellites, Vietnam War munitions, and more. He also owned and managed apartments alongside his wife in Westfield, North Adams, and West Springfield for 5 years.

From his early years, Gerry has held a love of the outdoors that he shared with his family, acting as Scoutmaster for his sons’ Boy Scout Troop 108 in Westfield. He spent his time hunting, camping with his children, gardening, and beekeeping. He loved music, drums in HS, then organ later at home, and was a consummate dancer, especially Polkas. Gerry was also president of the Rifle City Riders Motorcycle Club in Springfield. The club organized hill climbs, enduro runs, scrambles meets, and poker runs.

Gerry enjoyed retirement at his cottage on Hedges Lake, New York, alongside the love of his life, his wife Hedy. There, he spent his time with the second love of his life- fishing. Gerry was predeceased by his wife Hedwig (Malinowski) of 62 years, and his brothers Robert and Ronald. He is survived by his sister Elaine Beaumier of Hampden and sister-in-law Donna Baines of LaBelle, FL.

He leaves his children Christine O’Connell and fiancé Stephen Pickford of Westfield, Michael Baines and his partner Lisa Davol of Turners Falls, William Baines and his wife Denise of Ludlow, and Kathy Barnes and her late husband John Sr. of Belchertown. He is also survived by grandchildren; Amber Lee (Brian), Nathan Daniels, Katlyn Rowell (Chris “CJ”), Arthur Baines (Paula Lavalle), Abigail Baines (Jared Barney), Victoria Salka (Lyle), Amy doCarmo (Nicholas), Phoenix Baines, John Barnes Jr. (Ciji St. Germain), and great-grandchildren; Rosalynn, Marlo, and Layla. And finally, he leaves many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Ginger.

A funeral service will be held on September 13th, Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield MA. Calling hours will precede the service on Friday from 4-7 p.m. The family kindly requests that NO FLOWERS be at the service due to allergies. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church of Westfield, the Westfield Animal Shelter, or a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Vantage Health and Rehab of Westfield for their extraordinary care during his stay.

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