Mr. Arthur C. Bakert

Mr. Arthur C. Bakert, of Frankfort, just six days short of his 95th birthday, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Arthur was born in Buffalo, NY on August 4, 1916, the son of the late Charles and Florence (Woeppel) Bakert. He was raised and educated in Buffalo. His extensive military background began with training in radar technology where he was stationed at Fort Hero. He was instrumental in setting up the Eastern Coast Defense Shield Radar Station at Montauk Point, Long Island. With the breakout of World War II, he was sent to Europe to serve his country as a 1st Lieutenant. He participated in the storming of the beaches at Normandy during the allied invasion and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. With a military occupation specialty in communications, he served as an officer in France and Germany in the 9th AAF. While there, he carried out his duties as a cryptographic supervisor and used his skills to encipher and decipher coded messages. He was especially adept at mobile teletype and radio installations at airbases. After returning home from the war he attended SUNY Buffalo. On June 7, 1947, he married Norma Schwartz, also of Buffalo, with whom he shared 64 years. He worked for Bell Aircraft until 1959, and moved his family to Utica upon accepting a position with General Electric, working on innovative satellite communications components until his retirement. He lived an active lifestyle, with a passion for staying healthy. He swam, played piano, and maintained a garden well into his eighties, but his true legacy in life was caring for his family. He was a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church until it merged with Historic Old St. John’s Church where he has been a member. Arthur is survived by his wife, Norma; his children and their spouses, Thomas and Natalie Bakert, Arthur and Suzanne Bakert, Kathleen and Bruce Richmond, Sara Sallie Bakert, Dr. Mary and Dr. William Yoder, Janine and Donald King, Patricia Miceli, and Sharon and Bruce Pleeter; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his 14th great-grandchild expected in December. In addition he leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws, Sister Lillian Schwartz, Joan and Richard Uschold, and Eugene Schwartz. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard “Howie” and Jane Bakert; and his sons-in-law, Morgan Bebee, and Charles Miceli. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Fred Daley and Sister Sharon; the Hospice team; Dawn Kealy and the FCVFD; and a very special thanks to Dr. Steven Culver --- words cannot express our gratitude. Arthur’s family will honor and commemorate his life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church with military honors where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler and Fr. Fred Daley. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Arthur C. Bakert

August 4, 1916 - July 29, 2011