It is with great sorrow that Calvert Hall shares the news of the passing of longtime faculty member, Mr. Joseph Baker, AFSC '76, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

A proud member of the Class of 1976, Joe dedicated 46 years of service to Calvert Hall. He was the embodiment of what it means to be a Hallman. Whether through his remarkable ability to teach the student first and the subject second, or through his engaging whiteboard videos, Joe's passion for education and unwavering commitment to The Hall were unmistakable.

Over the course of his career, Joe served the institution in many roles: teacher, basketball coach, assistant principal, moderator, immersion trip chaperone, Director of Advancement, and Chief Administrative Officer. Yet, he would have been the first to say that titles matter little. For Joe, Calvert Hall was about the people, the relationships, the connections, the Brotherhood. The true highlight of his career was the countless relationships he built with students, colleagues, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of The Hall. He was a brilliant man with a heart of Cardinal and Gold.

A respected and beloved figure in the broader community, he was honored by The Daily Record with the Icon Award in 2018 and named a Most Influential Marylander in 2025. He was also recognized as Calvert Hall's Lasallian Educator of the Year in 1996 and, in 2025, was honored with the establishment of an endowed chair in his name. In March 2026, in recognition of his deep commitment to the Lasallian mission, Joe was named an Affiliated Christian Brother (AFSC), one of the highest distinctions bestowed upon a lay colleague by the Christian Brothers.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy; his loving children, Abigail, Jillian, and Joseph '15; his son-in-law, Lt. Thomas Gruebl, USN '12; and his cherished grandchildren, Gwenny, Cassie, Millie, and a baby boy Gruebl expected in August 2026.

Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26), on Wednesday, May 6th, from 5 to 8 PM and Thursday, May 7th, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210, on Friday, May 8th, at 1 PM.  Interment St. Joseph Church Cemetery, Fullerton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's name to Calvert Hall College, 8102 LaSalle Rd., Towson, MD 21286 or online at www.calverthall.com/giving .

Live stream link for funeral service at Cathedral of Mary Our Queen: Baker Live Stream