Contributions to the tribute of Sheldon Baron

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Leslie posted a condolence

Monday, September 6, 2021

- For my dear Uncle Sheldon (written by his sister's daughter Leslie) As I sit and ponder on how I can say something meaningful at this sad moment, I can visualize my Uncle Sheldon not as he was for the last few years but with a smile on his face and enjoying his life and family. I think of all of the holidays we spent together, the weeks in the summer where I stayed with Aunt Doris and Uncle Sheldon and David stayed with us. The Christmas’s with all the family up in Massachusetts for all the years. Special occasions where all the family was together. Even with the distance we managed to get together pretty regularly. I remember the stories he told of his growing up with all the pictures we went through one time where he always had his arm around people with a smile and a pose for the camera. We were laughing so much that night. I remember the political conversations where I think my father would take an opposite side just to add a little excitement. And of course, who could forget the story of Aunt Doris and Uncle Sheldon digging out blizzard to come to NY on the day I was born. While he was surely a brilliant man, no one could argue that, he was a kind man and the wisdom he had was more than just book smart. I began to realize that he had a unique ability to speak to all people at different levels. I also remember how all of his siblings held him up on pedestal and loved him so. I remember working on my thesis and finding much to my surprise, his work sited. Seeing Dr. Sheldon Baron in print was a shock at the time. I asked him about it and he shrugged it off with a little smile and said I guess I did do that. I remember taking a walk with him when I first met my husband and we were talking about the fact that Steven wasn’t Jewish and my concerns with it. He asked about the other qualities Steven possessed and after discussing them, he asked me some questions that put greater focus on important things in a relationship allowing me to come to my own conclusions. Today somehow feels like the end of an era. He was the last of the 4 Baron siblings. I know they all loved each other and they loved their parents so they are now together. While we are sad for the loss of Sheldon Baron in our lives, the last few years of what he went through were unbearably difficult and painful to see. I believe he is at peace now and I do believe he is watching down on us all. As I visualize him, I don’t see the last few years but I see him as he was before, with a smile on his face and all of his memories. I see in my mind all of the other family members, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Leonard, Aunt Phoebe, Aunt Pearl, Uncle Redd and of course my mother and father all having greeted him and laughing like they used to, when another round of laughter meant to us cousins that we wouldn’t have to go home for at least another hour. All of the family sitting around, without any of the physical ailments they were tortured by in life. While I don’t think he believed in an afterlife, I do, and I figure he is pretty surprised by it all right now.

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Ed Campbell posted a condolence

Sunday, September 5, 2021

I had the privilege of working for Shelly back in the 90’s. As others have said, he was a very supportive boss. When I think of Shelly I recall of a consummate gentleman. His career as an accomplished researcher and technical leader at BBN was impressive. Those of us who got to work for, and with him, have lost a mentor, colleague, and friend who helped shape the careers for many BBNers. He will be greatly missed.

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Dave Baron Posted Sep 6, 2021 at 8:38 PM

Thanks, Ed. While most of my Dad's retired BBN colleagues know, I don't know if "current BBN" know or cares that my father has passed (everything looks so 'Raytheon,' and I don't recognize any of the execs). I thought of you, but I didn't know how to reach you, and I don't know whether you're even still there. But I have the sense that there are some people who'd care to know SB died. If there's anyone else I can notify please let me know - David Baron: dinodaveb@gmail.com

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Lyn Bates posted a condolence

Friday, September 3, 2021

Shelly was a manager at BBN for many years. He was one of the best managers there. He taught me a lot about managing and so much more. He was patient, supportive, and made BBN an excellent place to work. We were both Harvard PhDs so I saw him sometimes at Harvard events and we reconnected there. I saw him receive an award from Harvard a few years ago. I am sorry about his health but so glad to have known him. - Lyn Bates

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June Santeusanio posted a condolence

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Shelly was my boss at BBN and he was a wonderful, wonderful boss. My most precious memory is during the time that my great-grandfather became ill. My great-grandfather was very old and dying in a hospital near Boston. Shelly allowed me to go visit him during my lunch break - which took more than 2 hours - every day, for weeks. I could never have done this without a boss who so valued family. And, far from being irritated about my being gone (which would have been reasonable as I had work to do,) Shelly was kind and encouraging. He even told me I was doing a mitzvah and that I would be blessed. I could never ever have had this time with my great-grandfather without Shelly. I am so grateful to have had him as my boss and friend.

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Duncan Miller posted a condolence

Thursday, September 2, 2021

I first met Shelly in 1966 when he worked at NASA's Electronic Research Center in Kendall Square. I was a doctoral student under Prof. Tom Sheridan at MIT, looking for a thesis topic. Shelly was working on optimal control models of human controllers. I chose to do my thesis in this area. I was already working for Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN) in Cambridge. A year or so later, Shelly joined BBN and I ended up working in his department in the division headed by Ray Nickerson. Shelly was a wonderful boss, providing great guidance and insight as I completed my thesis and worked on various contracts at BBN. I continued working at BBN until 1993, leaving to go to MIT Lincoln Laboratory at the end of the SIMNET (Simulation Networking) program. When I returned to BBN in 2001, Shelly had already retired, but I kept in touch with him off and on over the years. I will always remember him as a kind man and a great mentor. I'm very sorry to hear of his decline in his final years. May he rest in peace. Duncan (Duke) Miller

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Michele Nivens posted a condolence

Thursday, September 2, 2021

I had the honor of working with Shelly at BBN. He was a kind and thoughtful man. He was a great technical mind but he understood and cared about the human element in all he did. Very sorry to hear he suffered so these past few years. Michele Nivens

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Howard Douglas posted a condolence

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Shelly was the father of my son-in-law David who my wife and I couldn’t have had a better relationship from the day our kids were married. I will always remember my Thanksgiving’s in Boston. The wine, the food, but most importantly, the families laughing it up. Watching that day’s football game and especially when his beloved GIANTS were on.. There was no topic of the day that Shelly could not talk about. So well read about the days issues. He loved his family.Chinese meals with David were a regular event. While his health deteriorated, I believe he tried hard to remain as active as possible. RIP Shelly, Howard and Fran Douglas

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Robert Butler posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

I first met Dr.Baron in the 1970's when his son David was my music student. From that point through to the recent past, both Mr. and Mrs.Baron have greeted me with the kind of acceptance and warm embrace that is entirely genuine. This has moved me greatly on an emotional level, a feeling I will always have. They treated me as family dispite my youthful/wild musician's hair style. Dr. Baron -a great man but most importantly, a wonderful person.. We won't see his like again. Robert Nathan Butler Lincoln and Lexington MA Schools

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The family of Sheldon Baron uploaded a photo

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Sheldon Baron

1934 - 2021

Edward V. Sullivan
Funeral Home

Sheldon Baron

1934 - 2021

Edward V. SullivanFuneral Home

Edward V. Sullivan
Funeral Home