John L. Baier, Jack, of Amesbury, formerly of Melrose and LaCrosse, Wisconsin, a Marine Pilot and Melrose Youth Coach, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 at home with his family, following a lengthy battle with Cancer. Jack grew up in Melrose, graduated Melrose High School in 1942 and volunteered for the Naval Air Corp following his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts. He was later one of a few chosen to train with the Marine Corps and become a Bomber Pilot seeing duty in the South Pacific during WWII and later on Korea, retiring as a Captain in 1958. After Jack married Audrey Sullivan in 1947, and received his degree from U. Mass., he returned to Melrose to raise their family. Always a sports enthusiast, Mr. Baier coached literally thousands of young athletes in Melrose in both Little League and Pop Warner programs. He also served in many official capacities and was instrumental in the creation and success of the Senior Red Baseball Team while still finding time to both umpire and attend all of his childrens games and activities. Jack was Director of Development for the B.F. Goodrich Co. and later moved to LaCrosse Wisconsin where he was V.P. of Marketing at LaCrosse Footwear Company. He was devoted to his lovely wife, Audrey to whom he was married for 57 years and is also survived by his four children. Suzanne Greelish of Ipswich, John Baier Jr. of Hampton Falls, NH, Kit Gwin of Austin, TX and Ted Baier of Eagan Minnesota. He also leaves his grandchildren, Brandan & Daron Greelish, John III and Lexi Baier and Jack & Abby Baier. He was not only a father-in-law but a friend to Kevin Greelish, Debbie Baier, Bob Gwin and Jackie Baier. Jack will always be remembered for his unending devotion to his beloved wife, his service to country and community and for the love & laughter he shared with his children and grandchildren. He was a true Patriot, a gentlemen and a rare person who could light up a room with his personality, wit and charm. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday Jan. 4th at 9:30AM. Funeral mass in St. Marys Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 10:30AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours on Monday from 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jacks memory to Mass. General Prostate Cancer Research Fund c/o Dr. Matthew Smith, Mass. General Hospital, 100 Blossom St., Cox 640, Boston, MA 02114 or American Air Museum in Britain c/o Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB24QR, Britain, to maintain & preserve the B-25 Mitchell.