John Alan Baer, a lifelong resident of Sag Harbor, died on November 30. He was 80.
Born on June 25, 1945, in Southampton, he was the son of Kosty Joseph Baer and Mary Olive Klingler.
His life was marked by commitment to education and the arts. After graduating from Pierson High School, he earned two master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Albany in 1977 and 1978, followed by a doctorate in philosophy in 1993. His academic accomplishments reflected his love of learning and his dedication to understanding the world around him.
From 1969 to 2000, he was a familiar and beloved voice at WLNG in Sag Harbor, where he entertained and informed listeners for decades.
As a political scientist and analyst, he brought insight and clarity to complex issues, earning recognition as a notable political scientist by Marquis Who’s Who.
He also served his country with distinction in the Army Security Agency from 1970-1973.
Beginning in 2000, he devoted himself to teaching in the Southampton School District and at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor. He also worked as a private tutor, encouraging countless students and supporting their academic journeys with patience and genuine care.
A lover of music in all its forms, Baer found joy in every genre and shared that passion freely with friends, family, and students. He also enjoyed being a docent at the Sag Harbor Customs House for many years, sharing his extensive knowledge of the village he loved.
He will be remembered for his intellect, faith, love of music and dry wit.
He is survived by his cousins Pamela Levy of Hobe Sound, Florida, Susan Orzechowski of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Patricia Eckey of Sag Harbor and Elizabeth Sullivan of East Quogue.
Staff Writer on Dec 2, 2025