William M. “Bill” Baer, 91, was born on January 27, 1926, in Sarasota Springs, New York.  He was the son of Veronica M. Wagner and John F. Baer.
Upon graduation from high school, Bill joined the Navy, where he served as a radioman during World War II.  Upon completion of his service, Bill attended Temple University and graduated with a degree in business.  Bill’s professional career was that of an entrepreneur.  He was an owner and publisher of the Farmington Valley Herald, owner of Farmington Valley Office Supply, realtor/owner of Baer and Welch Reality, as well as proprietor and owner of Country Fare.  A resident of Canton since 1949, and with a strong sense of civic duty, Bill served as the Chairman of the Canton Police Commission, as a member of the Board of Finance, as the Town Prosecutor, and in various capacities as a member of the Republican Town Committee.
Bill loved boating and fishing and spent most weekends during the summer on his beloved boat. He taught all of his children to fish, but he was especially proud of his daughter Ronelle’s proficiency at the sport. Because Bill lived through the Depression Era, he perfected the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don't fix it. And even if it is broke, it can wait awhile to be repaired.” Duct tape never served a home so well. There wasn’t a dog Bill did not love, but two of his favorite canine companions were Chipper and Peaches. At one point during his career as a realtor, Bill purchased a piece of property with a small pond. Later in life, that pond became a source of enjoyment and relaxation where he often took a good book and the paper while enjoying the wildlife the pond attracted.
William was predeceased by his wife, Avis (Honey) Baer. He is survived by his children: Carol B. Sfara of Bluffton, SC, William M. Baer, Jr. of Canton, CT, Ronelle B. Cipolla and partner Andrew Kowolenko of Canton and Old Saybrook, CT, and Robert Baer and David Townsend of Kodiak, Alaska. In addition, he leaves his grandchildren: Amy and Trevor Sfara, Megan and husband Patrick Sherman, Chelsea and husband Andrew Diehl, Alexandria and Connor Cipolla, Kristen and husband Tom Delaney. He is also survived by three great grandchildren Harper Diehl, Damian Clark, and Atreyu Sfara.
A celebration of life will be held at 4:30 on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike, Canton, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Favarh, 225 Commerce Drive, Canton, Connecticut 06019. Please visit Bill’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.