STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Rev. Stephen J. Baker, remembered for his kindness and deep faith during his tenure as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Tompkinsville from 1999 to 2001, has died.

Though his time on Staten Island was brief, Father Baker left a lasting impression on the community. He died on Aug. 1 at the age of 62.

“He loved his time there,” said his sister, Maryanne Baker. “The connections he made were special, and the people meant a lot to him. And even though he wasn’t there long, he truly loved that assignment.”

Born June 9, 1963, in Springfield, Pennsylvania, and raised in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, Father Baker’s calling to the priesthood was clear from the very beginning.

“From the early ages, we would play church in our living room,” said his sister. “He would stand

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