When it comes to generosity, Harold Baker offered an exceptional example to follow, Harold was deeply committed to sharing his passion for mathematics with the scores of students he taught at Litchfield High School, and Naugatuck Valley Community College. And his dedication to the region and its residents extended far beyond the school walls.
For Harold, giving back was woven into the very fabric of his daily life. As a devoted math teacher, he saw each student not just as a pupil to instruct, but as a mind to nurture and uplift. Beyond the classroom, Harold’s quiet but unwavering dedication to philanthropy truly distinguished him. With no fanfare but deliberate heart, he chose to support Connecticut Community Foundation through a bequest from his estate, knowing that his contributions would directly benefit the community that shaped him. His extraordinary gift of more than $3 million has established the Harold Baker Fund for Waterbury Residents in Need, an endowed fund that will help to meet the basic needs of Waterbury residents’ year in and year out, for generations to come. In addition to his gift to the Foundation, Harold made equally generous gifts to the United Way of Greater Waterbury, the Salvation Army of Waterbury, and the Waterbury Police Activities League. He asked only that the organizations receiving these gifts share his story, not to shine a spotlight on his own generosity, but to inspire others to give.
With deep ties to Waterbury, Harold embraced the value of community wholeheartedly. He seamlessly became woven into the lives of his neighbors, Maureen and Randy Buell, evolving into an integral part of their family circle. Whether joining in shared laughter at gatherings or delving into debates on local radio stations, Harold’s presence radiated warmth and wisdom. Reflecting on their time together, Maureen fondly recalls, “He was a kind, gentle man, highly educated, and he would join us for every holiday. He truly became part of our family, and we loved him very much.” When contemplating Harold’s giving nature, Maureen further adds, “He was a very private man. He lived alone, but he never truly was alone because he knew we, as his neighbors, were always there for him. He always talked about his charities being important to him, but we didn’t know how involved he was. He was passionate about supporting those less fortunate, whether through educational initiatives or outreach programs aimed at fostering youth success.”
Inspired by Harold’s generosity, the Buell family envisions a lasting tribute to his altruism—a fund in his name aimed at aiding those in need within Waterbury. As the people closest to him during his lifetime, the Buells are committed to honoring Harold’s legacy and seeing his philanthropic spirit continue to make a positive impact for years to come.
Through his gifts—to his students, to his friends, and to his community—his legacy endures as a testament to a life lived in the service of others.
In the halls of the schools where he taught, and within the hearts and minds of the countless students he inspired, Harold’s example continues to resonate—a beacon to the enduring impact of kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to community and to the greater good.
