Obituary of Harry "Hoppy" O. Baker

Harry “Hoppy” Baker, 87 of Penn Yan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 10, 2023. Hoppy was born October 9, 1935 to McKinley and Blanch Baker of Potter. Hoppy was very proud of his roots in Potter and talked fondly of riding his bike 2 miles to school each day growing up. Upon meeting the love of his life, Pat, Hoppy moved to Penn Yan where they had two sons and lived happily on “five points” for over 40 years.   In his well-lived life, Hoppy worked for various Penn Yan businesses.  These included working for Penn Yan Boats for 30 years, Pennsylvania House for 5 years and at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for 4 years before retiring. Being one to never stop moving, Hoppy continued to work part-time in his retirement working two jobs: mowing the lawn at Lakeview Cemetery and at the Moose Lodge for 18 years; only recently retiring from there this past Christmas.  He was also a member of the Moose for over 40 years.  Hoppy’s greatest joy was watching his grandkids grow; never missing a show or softball game. Hoppy was predeceased by his parents McKinley and Blanch, wife Pat, brothers James “Jimmy” and Clifford “Tippy” of Florida, Gordon of Penn Yan, and sister Evangeline Hill of Potter. Hoppy is survived by sons Randy (Sue) Baker and Douglas Baker, grandchildren Dusty Baker, Tori (Billy) Mcrae, Jennifer (Paul) Venema and Faith Baker, and several great grandchildren. Friends and family may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at Townsend Wood & Zinger Funeral Home. His funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 1pm. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan. A Celebration Of Life will be held afterwards at the Penn Yan Moose Lodge, 301 E. Elm Street, Penn Yan, New York 14527.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Hoppy’s memory to PYTCo and the Sampson Theatre Revitalization: PO Box 106, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or pytco.org/donate. Memories of Hoppy may be shared with his family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com