Charles Francis Baker III, co-founder of Calliope magazine, Ivy Close Publishing and Ivy Close Images, died suddenly the morning of Oct. 23, 2014 at his vacation home on Southport Island. He was 68 years old.

Charlie, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on April 19, 1946, and grew up in North Easton, Massachusetts. He attended Oliver Ames High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Stonehill College. He received a master’s degree from Bridgewater State University.

He went on to become a beloved teacher and administrator in the New Bedford Public School System. He is a well-known writer and editor of history books and magazines for children. He founded Ivy Close Publishing with his wife Rosalie Baker in 1981 with the launch of Calliope Magazine. The Baker family continues to edit Calliope (now called Dig Magazine), which is published by Cricket Media.

He authored several books, including “The Struggle For Freedom” published by Cobblestone Publishing and “The Ancient Greeks” by Oxford University Press.

An infinitely caring, joyful and generous man, Charlie traveled the country sharing his love of history and learning with thousands of students, teachers and educators.

A civic leader in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he served on numerous boards, including as president of the Zeiterion Theater, secretary of Friends Academy board of trustees, co-founder of the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, treasurer of the Dartmouth Children’s Museum, and a co-founder of the Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies.

He was an active member of the Southport Yacht Club, the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, and on the board of the Southport Island Association.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie; his son, Charles Francis Baker IV; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Parker Baker; and two granddaughters, Abigail Parker Baker and Charlotte Brooks Baker.

The burial will be private.

Always a lover of animals, the family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Habitat for Cats in New Bedford or the Lincoln County Humane Society.

You are invited to share you condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Hall’s of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, is caring for the family.