July 14, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Eastlake, Ohio – Vice President Chauncey James Baker from Port of Cleveland, Dies at 77; Funeral Services in Cleveland This Thursday and Friday, July 17-18.
Chauncey James Baker, who served nearly a half-century as an ILA Vice President and Executive Board member representing the Port of Cleveland and Great Lakes ports, died Sunday, July 13, 2014 at age 77. He was a larger-than-life figure on the Cleveland waterfront and former president of Local 1317.
“Chauncey Baker will go down in ILA history as one of its most monumental figures,” said current ILA President Harold J. Daggett. “He was one of the toughest negotiators I ever met and a forceful leader in the Port of Cleveland. Thousands upon thousands of ILA members and their families are enjoying better lives today because of the contributions of Chauncey Baker made to our union over many decades of service and leadership.”
Chauncey was one of a few ILA officers to serve on the union’s Executive Council under four International presidents – Teddy Gleason, John Bowers, Richard P. Hughes and Harold J. Daggett. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he was born March 8, 1937. He joined the ILA at age 20 in 1957 and was elected president of Local 1317 in 1965. Chauncey was regarded as a fierce negotiator who protected ILA jobs and jurisdiction with toughness and conviction.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Friday, July 18, 2014 at the Monreal Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd., (East of Rte. 91), in Eastlake, Ohio (Phone 440-951-1220. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2014, also at the Funeral Home.
