Thomas R. Baker, 69, of Rome, NY, passed away on August 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving

family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 19, 1957, at Griffiss Air Force

Base, he was the son of Thomas M. Baker and Joan Kirkland Baker and stepson of John

McMonagle. Thomas graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1977; he later attended the Audio

Institute of America, class of 1998. He was employed by the Rome City School District for thirty

years until his retirement in 2021. He was united in marriage to Shellie Hartman on February 14,

2006. Together, they shared a lifetime of cherished memories.

Tom was kindhearted, selfless, and loving; he was a good friend to all and always had a smile on

his face. He loved to travel, especially to South Carolina and Aruba. He could often be found

sitting in his pallet-made bar or by his backyard fire with a margarita in hand. He was a talented

and accomplished guitar player with a true passion for music. He enjoyed playing his guitar and

recording in Eggman Studio with his nephews and friends. He was the best “Poppy” to his

grandchildren, whom he was incredibly proud of. He will be deeply missed by his brothers,

sister, brothers- and sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and extended family and

friends who were all blessed to know and love him.

Tom is survived by his wife Shellie Baker; his daughters Heather (Joseph) Commisso and

Jessica (Brad) Sahl; grandchildren Luca and Sienna Commisso and Levi and Owen Sahl;

brothers William (Lucinda) Baker, Mark (Sagri) McMonagle, David McMonagle, Daniel (Beth)

McMonagle; sister Betsy (Rob) Long; several nieces and nephews; cousins; and his beloved dog

Bella. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas M. Baker and Joan Baker-McMonagle, his

stepfather John McMonagle, and sister-in-law Brenda McMonagle.

A special thank you to his brother Daniel McMonagle for being by his side throughout his cancer

journey. His unwavering love, support, and presence will never be forgotten.

Private funeral services were held at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home.