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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jeffrey George Baer, 54, of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Jeff died September 25th, surrounded by family and friends after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2019. Jeff was born and raised in the Berkshires, son of Ann and George Baer, and grew up in Stockbridge MA. Jeff graduated with Bachelor degrees from Barry University, FL and his MBA/MPA from Syracuse University. Jeff started his 22 year Federal career with the US Airforce, with the last 5 years as Director of Audit and Compliance, Railroad Retirement Board.
Jeff married Tara in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in 2005 and they were blessed with 4 children Bobby and Brynnlee who were the light of Jeff’s life, and Max and Shaun with whom he is now joined.
Jeff was born and raised in Massachusetts, but he lived in many different countries and states (Jeff moved 7 times in 14 years). He spent some time in England (courting through Europe was a highlight, with mussels in Brussels being one of Jeff and Tara’s favorites). After marriage they lived in 5 different states, but finally moved home to rest in Massachusetts.
Jeff was passionate about music (even considered studying music). Above all else, Jeff loved spending time with his children, especially watching and coaching sports. He loved watching Bobby and Brynn out on the ice, and would often say that how proud of them he was (Bobby giving his all in goal, and the pink helmet leaving a wake of bodies in her path).
Jeff was predeceased by his loving mother Ann Baer, and is survived by his wife Tara, children Bobby and Brynnlee, father George, brothers John (Erin and God-daughter Raegan) and Mark. He was also deeply loved by his in-laws, nephews (Owen, Olsen and Ollie), aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
The family’s move back to Stockbridge “following the path laid out to us by God” was a blessing, and they would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the family and friends including Aunt Joni, Scott, Michelle, Diane, Brent, Kim, Justin, Rina, Steve, Kaitlin and the others in community for their love and support through this difficult time. Thank-you also to Grandpa George and Grandma ‘Matt for dropping everything to help us out when needed. Thank-you to Fr Shaun, Fr Brian, Dr. Gavin Ashenden and the doctors, nurses and hospice team who provided such excellent spiritual and physical care. We would also like to send a special thank-you to Uncle John who put on many miles coming back and forth to help, words cannot say enough. Finally, a thank-you to our hockey families the Falcons in Lake Forest IL, and the Rifles & Pics in MA.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to may make donations to your local hockey organizations (to support kids who want to play, but maybe cannot afford it), or to St Joseph’s in Stockbridge to purchase a statue of St. Therese of Lisieux "Little Flower". The Church brought much comfort to Jeff, both through attendance, reading, Novena’s, praying the Rosary, and Gregorian Chants.
Please join us in a prayer vigil before the service, to share in the experience that brought Jeff so much comfort. Prayer vigil will be held at 10:00 AM, on October 4, 2021, followed by a service at 11:00, both at Joseph's Church in Stockbridge, MA. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. (Liturgy will be live-streamed via FaceBook beginning at 11AM)
Please join the family and friends following the service 12:30 – 5:00 to celebrate Jeff’s life.
We are not encouraging interstate or international travel, we live in a small community, with at risk family members at the service. Please respect CDC recommendations regarding travel until you are fully vaccinated, we will be providing a recording or live presentation of the service for viewing. We have been so lucky to have so many friends throughout the world, and we hope you come and visit us soon in the Berkshires. We have also set up this site for you to contribute memories and pictures for the family https://www.newlywords.com/jeffrey-george-baer.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Jeffrey G. Baer, who died September 25, 2021, will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. Prayer Vigil at St. Joseph’s Church in Stockbridge, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Stockbridge. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Stockbridge. Repast following the service 12:30 – 5:00 to celebrate Jeff’s life.