Michael Duffy Baker, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many, was born on October 21, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio to Valeria (Brown) Baker and the late Richard Baker.  After an unexpected surgery, and short rehab stay, “Easy Mike” was called Home and saved from a future physical fight he didn’t want to experience, on Friday, October 18, 2024…three days before his 70^th birthday.

Michael had a fulfilling life after his graduation from John Adams High School, when his father lovingly enrolled him in the U.S. Coast Guards. There he became more disciplined and gained a better focus of what he wanted for his future. Michael received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science at the University of Toledo and then continued on to graduate with a Juris Doctorate (JD), also from the University of Toledo.  Right before Michael graduated with his JD degree, he met the woman whom he would fall in love with and marry, Gwen. They were married on August 3, 1985, and spent the last 39 years together. When they married, Michael became an instant and dedicated father to Gwen’s daughter, Brandie.

Michael served his country for 30 years in the U.S. Navy (active and reservist) and retired as a Commander – Jag Officer. He received numerous awards during his time in the Navy and believed that time to be a very rewarding and life-changing experience.

Michael was always gifted with numbers and went on to Villanova University where he received his LLM in Taxation. This led to him to work for the Internal Revenue Service as a tax attorney where he earned 30 years of service credit before his retirement in 2016.

In later years, Michael liked to be called “Easy Mike” and he was truly loved by family, friends and colleagues. He was a loving husband to Gwen; a wonderful father to Brandie, and a very encouraging and supportive Grandpa to Gabriel (“Sport”), Ayriana (his “Sweetheart”), and Xzavier (“The Guy”). On the weekends you could find him teaching his grandchildren about fixing cars, yard care or how to barbecue the best ribs. Michael was always counseling his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other family members about the importance of saving for their future; investment education; and doing their very best in school or the jobs they were blessed with.

Michael had a helpful nature toward his family, friends and neighbors; and they knew that a call or a walk across the street was going to be an average of 1 hour conversation with an offer to help, explain or show how to do something at a later date. All he needed was a bottle of Heineken as payment.

Michael truly enjoyed cruising around the world. One of his favorite activities on board a ship was having what he called “High Tea Time” with his brother-in-law Roshon; followed by tourist stops at Senor’ Frogs on the various islands. He sometimes preferred to stay on the ship if the town didn’t have this favorite restaurant/bar. Besides cruising, Michael enjoyed advising friends/family on various topics; dabbling into investments; watching TCM movies, mafia movies, and war time movies. He was a true historian. He had an amazing memory for dates, times, locations, people (present and past), and could talk hours about historical events. And even though he had moved away from Cleveland, Ohio over 40 years ago, the Cleveland Browns still held a special place in his heart.

Michael is survived by: his caring wife, Gwen Baker: daughter: Brandie (Gabe) Cabasquini: grandchildren, Gabriel Alexander, Ayriana Faith, and Xzavier Emanuel (Cabasquini); mother, Valeria Baker; sisters, Valerie (Leon) Foote, Deborah (Cecil) Hicks, Cheryl Baker, Cascell Black, Tanya (Roshon) Stewart; brother, Marlon (Heather) Baker; brother-in-law, Matthew (Jeannette) Carter; sister-in laws, Valerie Lynn, Donna Carter, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family members preceding him in death include his father, Richard Baker and brother, Richard  M. Baker