Reverend William S. Baker, 84, a resident of St. Joseph Nursing Home in Utica and the former pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Clayville, passed away on Sunday August 19, 2012 at the nursing home. William was born in Rome, NY on January 22, 1928 the son of John S. and Margaret (Rothmund) Baker. He was raised and educated in Rome, was a graduate of Rome Free Academy and St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester, NY. On February 22, 1955 Fr. Baker was Ordained a Catholic Priest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, NY. For 50 years, Fr. Baker dedicated his life to serving numerous parish communities in the Syracuse Diocese, including; assistant Pastor of St. James Church in Syracuse, assistant Pastor of Our lady of Good Counsel in Endicott, assistant Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Utica, assistant pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church (Sanitaria Springs) in Crane NY and for 32 years, as Pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Clayville, retiring on July 8, 2004. Fr. Baker also served for 35 years as the Chaplain of Faxton Hospital in Utica as well as serving on the CCD Executive Committee in Syracuse, Chaplain of the Mohawk Valley Institute in Utica and Chaplain of both the Sauquoit Fire Department and Clayville Fire Department. Fr. Baker enjoyed his retirement, overlooking the Cedar Lake Golf course with his faithful companion, Trooper. Fr. Baker is survived by his cousins, Billie Worth-Burr of Newtown, CT, Margaret Ray-Worth of Port St. Lucie, FL, Thomas Hayes of Rome, Leslie Burr-Howard of Newtown, CT and Penny Worth of Westwood, NJ as well as many dear friends to numerous to mention. Fr. Baker's body will be received at St. Patrick's & St. Anthony's Church in Chadwicks, NY on Sunday August 26, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. where he will lie in state from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at which time the vigil for a deceased Priest will be offered. Fr. Baker's funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday August 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's & St. Anthony's Church with the Most Reverend Thomas J. Costello, Auxiliary Bishop of Syracuse officiating. Rite of Committal and burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in Rome, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., Utica.