Baier, Charles V.
Charles “Charlie” Valentine Baier, 94, of Simsbury, CT, beloved husband of Gertrude (Reinhardt) died peacefully at home March 21, 2023, following his tenaciously intrepid 12-year battle against Pulmonary Fibrosis; far exceeding the odds thorough strict regimented daily exercise, nutrition and weekly acupuncture.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, June 11, 1928, to Charles F. and Catherine (Mahlman) Baier, Charlie and his father would forever say to each other “they felt sorry for anyone who didn’t live in Brooklyn”. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1945 Charlie earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering at New York University. He was enrolled in the R.O.T.C. and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.
In his teens he learned the value of hard work at his uncles’ Brooklyn truck building business. Confidently capable, this young teen could be seen in Brooklyn streets driving bare truck chassis from one shop location to another sitting on nothing more than a strapped wooden crate.
It was late 1940’s on New York dance floors, Lindyhopping and Jitterbugging to the exuberant new sounds of Glenn Miller et al., that Charlie met and soon thereafter proposed to the love of his life “Gertie” as they foxtrotted to Moonlight Serenade. Charlie and Gert were married May 20, 1951 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Springfield Gardens, Queens, NY. Charlie and Gert could still vigorously “cut a rug” with speed and style late into their eighties. When rejoined in Heaven they’ll undoubtedly crank up the music and dance through Eternity.
After college Charlie was employed by several large construction contractors; working on the New York City Bus Terminal in Manhattan and IBM Headquarters, Poughkeepsie, NY. In 1954 Turner Construction transferred Charlie to Connecticut to become the General Superintendent building Connecticut General Insurance Co. Headquarters, Bloomfield, CT.
In response to the Connecticut Flood of 1955 Charlie founded Raymond Construction, later becoming Baier Construction. His companies were responsible for construction of interstate, state and local bridges, largescale dams, tunnels, train stations, pumping stations and other various public works. Charlie never retired. He relentlessly worked dawn to dusk into his nineties. Two of his sons enjoyed working by his side for the past 40+ years. He was active with the Connecticut Construction Industry Association, Road Builders Division. With great pride Charlie received the New York Construction Magazine “Best of 2004” Award of Merrit for his unprecedented, complicated design and construction of a pedestrian underpass tunnel system at the Westport, CT Railroad Station.
Charter member, first president, long term elder and strong faithful leader at Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church, Simsbury, Charlie tirelessly devoted his heart and soul to the church. For his three sons it was with the greatest of ingenuity, enthusiasm and fun that he led Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Sea Explorers. He also relished attending (with only one other father) every Simsbury High MotherDaughter Sports Banquet and with fully scheduled business days all over the state he would somehow get to the sidelines to cheer.
Avid sun worshippers, Charlie and Gert embraced wonderful summers with their children, grandchildren and friends at their Groton Long Point summer home, Heaven on Earth.
Charlie was an active boater starting at a young age sailing a beloved wooden boat he and his father built. With a Sunfish, he taught his 4 children to sail without fear but instilled caution through skill. As young as 7 his children fearlessly solo sailed Noyac Bay, Barkhamsted and CT Shore heeling over touching sail to water. He emphasized even as beginners when wind blew hard it was the best opportunity to hone skills.
Charlie and Gert as co-pilot were avid motorboaters and members of Shennecosset Yacht Club with a series of boats enlarging to the final Baier Feat V. Well into their eighties they loved their frequent day trips and cruises as long as 10 days to Martha’s Vineyard, Cuttyhunk, Nantucket, Long Island and lunch runs to Napatree,Watch Hill. Especially fun was to cross Long Island Sound, anchor and with a short beach walk visit family in Noyac and Sag Harbor; basically going door-dinghy-to-door.
A physical fitness enthusiast his entire life, Charlie was the neighborhood’s first jogger in the early 1960’s and in his home gym he worked out faithfully and rigorously even revising to his ability as his health declined up to his final day.
Charlie was a motivating presence to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him and his charm and charisma allowed him to use one of his favorite phrases, “Step Lively!” without anyone ever taking offence. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Gertrude (Reinhardt), daughter Laurie J. Baier, sons Charles W. Baier (wife, Charlene), Christopher R. Baier (wife, Mary), daughter-in-law Jennifer Baier, granddaughters Rachel, Caitlin, Allison, Wendy, Jessica and great-grandchildren Grace, Charlotte, Cormac and Jack. Charlie was predeceased by his son, Gary R. Baier and grandson, Eric C. Baier.
The family would like to express their appreciation to all who helped care for him over the past year.
Calling hours are Friday April 14, 2023, 4:00 P.M until 8:00 P.M., Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. Burial will be private at a later date.
A funeral service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1655 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06107.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Drake Hill Flower Bridge in Simsbury, CT. Please visit Charlie’s Book of Memories at www. vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.