Latham - Jason Arthur Baker died peacefully on February 4, 2023 at age 93. He was born December 2, 1929, to Eva & Max Baker in Stoughton, MA.

Above all, was Jason’s love for his wife of 68 years, Barbara Caplan Baker. They met through friends on October 10, 1953 and knew they were destined to be together. Exactly one year later, they married. For 25,320 days, they loved and supported each other in every way possible. With this, they set an exemplary example for their family. Residing in Albany, Lake George and Florida, Jason and Barbara had a wide circle of dear friends. A vision we will hold forever is Captain Jason, large and in charge high up on the flybridge of the Exodus on Lake George, enjoying life to its fullest.

Jason was forever proud to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Captain in the Korean War, honorably discharged in 1953. Semper Fi.

In 1956, Jason & Barbara moved to Albany NY where Jason partnered with this brother Gilbert on two successful entrepreneurial business ventures – Jabar Distributing and Branche Drugs. With Barbara and his daughter Lori, he started PMR Products.

Jason had a strong commitment to the Jewish community in the Capital Region and beyond. He was a pioneer in helping Russian Refuseniks emigrate, which resulted in the Teitlebaum family’s release from Russia. Jason served on the BOD at Congregation Beth Emeth. He was relentless in fund-raising for the UJF and the State of Israel. While known to be gentle and mild-mannered in life, in this arena, Jason led by example with philanthropy so when he called, people responded. Jason received the B’nai B’rith Covenant Award, an Operation Jonathan medal, and was cited in Bronfman’s Who’s Who in Israel.

Jason is survived by his wife Barbara, his two daughters Lori Lubin (Frank Coleman) and Leslie Baker (Geoffrey Patack) and his grandchildren, Jessica Lubin (Bob Giek), Arielle Patack (Matt Buckheit) and Zoey Patack (Jordan Silber).

Jason was just an all-around cool and caring guy – an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. We will forever treasure his patience, his genuine love and unbridled support for his family. And we will always make our bloody marys with a lot of horseradish, you should too!

With love for pets and his dog Max, please send donations in Jason’s memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

There will be a private service on Thursday. Friends are welcome to visit the family Thursday night from 6-9 pm at Lori and Barbara’s home, 3 Henkes Lane, Latham NY 12110