Obituary of Dennis M Baron

Dennis M. Baron, 63, of Cortland passed away January 10, 2011 in Syracuse, NY.Dennis was born December 3, 1947 in New Rochelle, the son of the late Kenneth and Gertrude Roth Baron.Chief Baron was a proud and dedicated fourth generation fire fighter, who began his fire fighting career at the age of 19, and continued to serve the communities that he lived in until his retirement February 28, 2010.Chief Baron served the City of Cortland as its paid Chief for 23 years, his knowledge and wisdom of the fire service and life made him a sought after professional and mentor to all who knew him. A few of his many accomplishments as Chief were instituting a municipal training officer, upgrading and improving the departments rescue equipment and incorporating the Code Enforcement Department under the umbrella of the Fire Department. Dennis was the longest tenured Chief in the history of the City of Cortland Fire Department. His long career with the Cortland Fire Department expressed his dedication to the residents of Cortland, putting their safety and well being ahead of his own.Dennis was a communicant of St. Marys Church, a member of the IAFC, had served as the president of the Career Fire Chiefs of NYS, a member of the NYS Fire Chiefs Association, the Kiwanis Club of Cortland and was a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Christine Baron of Cortland, his daughter Amanda (David) Funk of Cortland, his granddaughter Natalie, brothers; Kenneth (Sandra) Baron of Mamaroneck, Raymond (Linda) Baron of Corpus Christi TX, Stephen (Renee Oechsner) Baron of Portchester, his sister Linda (Gary) Pinto of Baldwinsville as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at St. Marys Church, Interment will follow at St. Marys Cemetery.The family has invited friends to call from 4-7 P.M. Friday at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue.Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Dennis name is asked to consider the charity of ones choice. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Dennis lived his life by a simple motto and if asked how to cope with a tough situation would probably offer this advice, Just put one foot in front of the other. Dennis served not only as a fire chief, but as a friend and mentor to many of us younger chief officers. A large void is left where he stood and he will be greatly missed. Thank you for letting us share this special human being. Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli Please accept my heart felt sympathies for the loss of Dennis. I knew him from the State chiefs Assn. and from being the Director of First Line Supervisor Training at the NYC Fire Academy. Edward Koorse To the Baron family, my deepest sympathy. I knew Dennis for many years in the fire service. Sincerely, Guy Comparetta, NYSOFPC (retired) Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. Having served under Chief Baron I know that he considered those of us in the fire service as his extended family. He praised us, protected us and yes "took us to the woodshed" when we were bad. A father-figure who truly cared. I will miss himVince Minnella Chris, Mom and I are keeping you and Amanda in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and the family. Virginia and Deb Amanda and family, all of us at IMEC (Amandas work) are thinking of you all. We pray for peace and comfort thru this difficult time and Amanda you know I am always here for you. Amy My Uncle Dennis was a special breed of man. Benevolent and always Charismatic, rarely a angered moment. He leaves behind a family that will always remember him as such. I for one will always think of his passion he held for his family, a passion that I myself have always strived emulate in my own life. If you had the pleasure of knowing him in your life, then your life was better for it. "Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy." -author unknown Gary D. Pinto Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. We are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mike and Marilyn Preston We are so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you in these hard times. If there is anything your family needs please just let me know. John Casterline and family