Joseph M. Baker, 57, of Lee Center, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2026.

Joe was born in Rome on March 11, 1969, to Kenneth Jr. and Patricia Lucas Baker. After graduating from RFA, he worked for Orion Bus Industries until its closing. He also served as a 911 dispatcher for Oneida County, where he was also a Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist.

Joe found his true love in Sharon Seigler. For more than 38 years, they built a family and shared countless memories.

Joey cared deeply about his community and the people in it. He dedicated 39 years of service to the Lee Center Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief and currently held the rank of lieutenant. He also served as secretary of the Lee Center Fire Department Benevolent Association.

Joe was a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association, the Central New York Firemen's Association, the Oneida County Fire Police Association, the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, the Oneida County Fire Chiefs' Association, and FASNY. He was also a proud supporter of Believe 271 and Tunnel to Towers.

Beyond the fire service, Joe coached Pop Warner football in Rome and baseball in the Town of Lee. He worked at Woods Valley for several years and loved skiing with his family. Hunting and fishing were among his favorite pastimes. He also loved attending his children's sporting event.

Joe is survived by his loving companion and best friend, Sharon; his mother, Patricia; his daughters, Ashley (Jonathan) Turpin of South Carolina and Courtney Baker of Rome; his son, Tyler (Alina Peterson) of South Carolina; and his grandchildren, Emily and Coulson. Another grandchild is expected in March 2027. Joe also leaves behind his brother, Michael (Julia) Baker; his niece and nephew, Hilary Baker and Kyle (Mykaela) Baker; Kyle's daughter, Camille; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father; his maternal grandmother, Anne Lucas; his paternal grandparents, Kenneth Sr. and Mary Baker; and his in-laws, George and Margaret Seigler.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lee Center Fire Department Bingo Hall, 5510 School Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Believe 271 or to the Lee Center Fire Department for the Kenneth F. Baker Sr. Scholarship Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.

Online condolences may be offered at www.barryfuneralhome.com.