William "Dustin" Baker

WORCESTER - William “Dustin” Baker passed away peacefully on May 03, 2025, leaving behind a life marked by thoughtfulness, intellect, and quiet routines that brought him comfort and joy.

Dustin was born on September 2, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and spent his early years in Kensington, Maryland. In 1955, his family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Norview High School and later studied at Old Dominion University. In 1966, he moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Clark University. He continued his education with graduate-level coursework at Harvard University in Cambridge.

Dustin was predeceased by his wife of many years, Roberta Waldo Baker, who passed away on February 20, 2020.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Baker of Worcester, MA, with whom he shared a love of automobiles; his daughter, caretaker, and closest friend Jennifer Scaglione and her husband, James Scaglione, of Rutland, MA; and their dog, Ginger Bee Scaglione, his constant companion in recent years.

He is also survived by his brother, Clayton Kirby of Punta Gorda, FL; and sisters, Celeste Couture of Spencer, MA, and Rebecca Forsberg of Rochdale, MA.

Dustin and Roberta spent many holidays at Jennifer and Jim’s home in Rutland. These years brought comfort, and connection in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Both he and Roberta deeply appreciated the warmth, humor, and kindness of Jim’s family and always looked forward to spending time with them.

He was also fortunate to have the steady friendship and support of his longtime neighbors, Peter and Cheryl Kelly, who remained a comforting and reliable presence over the years. Their friendship meant a great deal to both Dustin and Roberta and continued to be a source of reassurance and connection.

Music was a steady presence in Dustin and Roberta’s life; they enjoyed listening, singing, and playing instruments. They appreciated quiet rituals: daily teatime at 4 p.m., watching birds gather at the backyard feeders, and attending early music concerts in Amherst. Dustin enjoyed a good walk in the woods, a simple hot dog at Elm Park, and the dependable joy of a Red Sox game-especially with a beer and hot dog in hand while at Fenway Park.

In his later years, Dustin enjoyed local drives with Jennifer, who often took him on informal “tours” of Worcester, pointing out changes in the city, old familiar landmarks, and new places to explore. A favorite stop was Hot Dog Annie’s, where he could count on a no-frills meal and people watching. These small outings became regular moments of connection and familiarity, often accompanied by music playing in the car and conversation that didn’t require many words.

His life was not flashy, but it was full of routine, knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the small things. He will be remembered by those close to him for his loyalty, kindness, and the ways he stayed true to himself.

Services will be private, per Dustin’s request. The family encourages friends to take a quiet walk, listen to a favorite song, or simply pause for a moment of stillness, just as Dustin would have liked.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his guestbook.