Willsboro – Richard N. Baer, fondly known and loved as Papa, 89, of Gilliland Lane, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022, surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 23, 1932 in Portsmouth, OH, the son of Harold and Bernice (Turner) Baer.

Papa attended Portsmouth High School, enlisted into the Navy, served during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1953. He married the former Judith Pfeiffer on June 26, 1952 in Russell, Kentucky.

Papa was an Operating Engineer and Union Representative out of Albany. He was loved and respected by all.

In his spare time, Papa enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and caring for the small family farm.

Papa's personal relationship with Jesus Christ was at the center of his life. He was an active member of the Gideons, and was passionate about building relationships with others so that they too could come to know Jesus.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 70 years, Judith Baer; sons Richard (Cathy) Baer Jr., Robbe (Renee) Baer, Rodney (Judy) Baer, Steven (Andrea) Baer; daughters Ruthanne (John) Vasquez, Heidi (Jeff) Stitt; grandchildren Richard Baer III, Cole Baer, Robbe Baer, Richard Baer, Cassandra Baer, Hannah Baer, Jacob Baer, Jessica Baer Louks, Cortland Baer, John Vasquez Jr, Judith Vasquez, Ashley Clark, Jeffrey Stitt, Jr, Anna Stitt; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Church of the Nazarene in Plattsburgh. A Funeral will be held at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in Port Douglas Cemetery.

Donations may be made to The Gideons International at www.gideons.org in memory of Richard.

To share a photo, story or condolence with the family, visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.