R.I.P Frank Baker

Those of you longtime foreign car owners in the Tri-State area may be familiar with AW Auto Parts in Eatontown NJ and may have also known Frank Baker. Perhaps you have seen his 'business card ads' in Cavallino, or ads in Hemmings saying to "ask for Gino" at AW. He passed away quietly on Wednesday Feb.7th. He suffered a stroke in early September, but he also had a long battle with diabetes which had left him legally blind for about a year. According to his wishes, there was no funeral or memorial service, and no obituary printed in any of the local papers. His remains were cremated and now reside with his oldest daughter Tracy. He also leaves behind another daughter Tammy, Carol their mother, 3 grandchildren, and at least one brother I know of that lives in FLA.
Frankie was never one to be the center of attention and certainly didn't want a group of people to gather together to grieve and cry for him and make a big fuss. He would prefer that we remember him the way he was. I had done business with him for over 20 years and we became fast friends from the very beginning. He always loved a good joke, and was quite a mischievous prankster. During the course of a phone conversation, he would love to tell people he was 3'11" tall and ONLY weighed 450lbs. The he would pause ....and wait for their reaction or response, usually barely able to contain his own laughter! He got the biggest kick out of doing stuff like that and I looked forward to hearing the recap! He was a true professional, an honest hardworking man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was humble enough to admit when he needed your help with something, and was sincere when he thanked you for it, so you knew he meant it. I have already missed our frequent phone calls since September, and hearing him laugh. I so glad I drove up to NJ to see him and the girls after the stroke as I have a few more memories to treasure. Although the stroke left him unable to speak, I could tell he was glad to see me, even under the circumstances. I am writing down a few of my memories and sending them along with my condolences to his family. If anyone wishes to send their own along, you can send me a PM and I will forward you the info. I apologise for not having it with me now.
Ciao Frankie!