Charles P. Baker III, the founder of Baker Industries, died on September 16 in Philadelphia.
The company began in 1980 as a two‑person mail‑order packaging firm in a garage on Strafford Street, hiring his son Justin, who has epilepsy.
Baker’s vision turned the small enterprise into a nonprofit that has hired, trained, and mentored over 12,500 workers, many of whom had disabilities, substance‑use histories, or criminal records.
The organization earned national recognition, being named a Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and receiving a legacy award for community generosity from the Chester County Community Foundation in 2004.
Colleagues remember Baker’s belief that work could heal, noting his willingness to employ those traditionally excluded, and he remained on the board until his death.
Baker’s legacy will live on as the nonprofit plans to open a new training center in 2027, expanding its reach to more underserved communities.