Joel Sheridan Baird, 83, of Hamden, died October 19, 2020 in home hospice. He was born December 7, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late John Harold Baird and Janice L. Stecker Baird. Joel is survived by his beloved wife Christine A. Libby Baird; his cherished daughters, Lesley Sheridan Baird, of Springfield MA, Anne B. (Mark) Stewart, of Lambertville NJ, and Jane B. (Gregory) Kornhaber, of Flemington NJ; and his lovely granddaughters, Sarah Stewart and Rebecca Kornhaber. Joel was predeceased by his brother, John, and two sisters, Jean and Dawn.
He attended the University School, Cleveland; Phillips Academy, Andover MA; the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Joel was a pioneer in the field of computer technology starting with the Ford Motor Co., and working in this profession from 1958 until 2008, when he retired from Boehringer-Ingelheim on his 50th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, hiking and football. He was a member of Trinity Church on the Green, Branford. Joel was also predeceased by five treasured dogs, and contributions in his memory can be made to ASPCA . Funeral service will be private.