Pete was the eldest of three siblings, brother Michael Baker and sister Mary Rausch, all three born to Gilbert and Estaleen Baker in Maracaibo, Venezuela where his father worked for the Shell Oil Company. The family lived there until his later high school years, although he and his siblings attended schools on the East Coast after grade school. He had many good memories of Venezuela and trips to New York and Texas. The family moved to San Antonio, Texas in the 1950's and Pete attended UT Austin for one year before entering the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated with the class of 1957. He served 27 years in the Navy, reaching the rank of Commander. He served in numerous positions, both afloat and ashore. Working in Washington D.C., connected with NATO Sea Sparrow was a great honor, as was his time as executive officer at the Naval Weapons Station in California just before he retired from the Navy. He and his family moved back to Dallas, Texas and Pete worked another 10 years in the private sector before truly retiring. He and wife Katie moved to the Horseshoe Bay Community in the Hill Country of Texas where they enjoyed a wonderful 25 years. They made many close friends and many good memories, enjoying golf, tennis, traveling, and cruising before moving back to Dallas in 2018.
Pete was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Katie Baker. She had been gone 2 ½ long years, and he missed her terribly. The support and companionship he received from his neighbors and the employees at the Highland Springs Senior Community made a world of difference.
Pete is survived by his brother Michael; son Andrew; daughter Anne Peri; son-in-law Anthony Peri; granddaughter Alden Peri; brother and sister-in-law Phil and Kathy John; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes there was no memorial service. Pete donated his body to the UTSW Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and will be buried at sea – an appropriate ending for the lifelong seaman.