Obituary of Andre Baker

In Loving Memory of
Mr. Andre L. Baker
“The Legend”
October 17, 1958 – July 8, 2026

There are some lives that leave fingerprints on every heart they touch. The life of Mr. Andre L. Baker was one such life, characterized by unwavering love, quiet strength, joyful laughter, faithful service, and extraordinary generosity. His journey on earth was a beautiful testimony that a life devoted to God, family, and others will never be forgotten.

Born October 17, 1958, in Sanford, Florida, he was the son of the late Deacon K.C. Baker and Fannie M. Baker. He moved with his family to Rochester, New York, where he was educated in the Rochester City School District, attending School No. 27 and graduating from Franklin High School with the Class of 1976.

Andre was blessed with a heart full of compassion and a spirit that naturally drew people to him. Through years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Andre faithfully served his profession until his well- earned retirement in 2013. Andre’s greatest masterpiece, however, was not found in his career. It was found in the way he loved people. Whether through a warm smile, an encouraging word, or an unforgettable laugh, he made everyone around him feel like family.

A gifted musician, Andre developed a lifelong passion for the bass guitar, beginning his musical journey in 1970 with the Spiritual Jubilators. His unmistakable talent, rhythm, and love for Gospel music later led him to support his stepson. As a member of MC Ron G & The Roc City Heroes, his music continued to inspire and uplift many. He was referred to as “The Legend” and the “coolest” bass player in the music field. You can only imagine the impact of seeing him move for the first time in his career while playing for The Roc City Heroes.

Beyond music, he found peace while fishing with his beloved wife, Laurie Baker, and was never shy about his love for good food, especially his favorite, okra.

Andre built a relationship with God and gained foundation for his life. He joined St. Philip Missionary Baptist Church in 1966, where his spiritual journey first began. In 2000, he united with Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully worshipped and remained a devoted member and ordained Deacon. His quiet faith, servant’s heart, and love for God’s people were evident in every season of his life.

Answering God’s invitation to come home on July 8, 2026, Andre was preceded in death by his loving parents, Deacon K.C. Baker and Fannie M. Baker; his brother, Amos Hardy; his sisters, Cecilia Williams and Kareena Baker; and his beloved in-laws, William “Big Daddy” Floyd and Reverend Lillian Floyd.

He leaves to cherish precious memories: his devoted and loving and devoted wife, Laurie B. Baker; his beloved children: Andre L. Baker Jr., Andre “Mann” Baker, Leondre Baker, India (Jaquan) Carvin, and Reverend Ronald (Reverend Kiniesha) Sneed Jr., along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; his loving siblings: Mrs. Betty (Bishop William) Dillard of Las Vegas, Nevada, Harriett Hardy, Corrie Irene Hardy, Reverend Gloria Hardy of Rochester, New York; Rosemary Chatman of Orlando, Florida, K.C. “Jack” Baker Jr., Jacqueline Baker of Rochester, New York, Kimberly Baker (Robert) Jones Jr. of Grand Prairie, Texas, Monica Baker of Baltimore, Maryland, and LaTasha Baker of Rochester, New York. He is also lovingly remembered by his only living aunt, Mary Henderson of Sanford, Florida, whose love remained a treasured part of his life; his nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, extended family, church family, lifelong friends and all who were blessed to know him…and who could forget his special friend and brother, Daniel “Butch” Chatman?

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we rejoice in knowing that Andre’s song has not ended; it has simply changed venues. The bass guitar that once echoed through sanctuaries on earth and floated on gentle breezes in the open air, now joins Heaven’s eternal chorus. His work here is complete, his race is finished, and his faith has become sight. The legacy of Andre L. Baker will continue through every life he touched, every note he played, every smile he shared, and every lesson he taught about faith, stamina, perseverance, and unconditional love.

His service will be Saturday, July 25th at 11AM with prior visitation from 10-11AM at Full Gospel Tabernacle.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.