Robert A. Baines

Robert A. Baines, former mayor of Manchester, NH, past principal of Manchester High School West, and current Manchester School Board member, died in Boston on January 23, 2026 due to complications following heart surgery, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Manchester, NH on June 25, 1946 to Henry and Rena (Knee) Baines.

Bob was proud to be a lifelong resident of Ward 9 in Manchester. He attended Bakersville School and graduated from Manchester Memorial High School in 1964. Bob continued his education at Keene State College, graduating in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. He became a music teacher at Alvirne High School in Hudson, also serving as Hudson’s Director of Fine Arts. Bob went on to become assistant principal of Alvirne High School. His friendship with Chester Steckevicz, principal of Alvirne, led to Bob meeting Chester’s niece Maureen McCaugney, whom he married in 1974. Bob was awarded a master’s degree by Rivier College in 1976 and completed further graduate work at the University of New Hampshire. He served as a Manchester School Board representative from 1974-1978 and from 2024-present. Bob was also proud to have served in the 39th Army Band for six years.

Bob Baines became the principal of Manchester High School West in 1980, a position he held for 19 years. He was a mentor to many students and led the school to be recognized as one of the most prominent high schools in New Hampshire. Bob brought the Community of Caring Program of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation to West. His acquaintance with its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, led him to Washington D.C. where he served as the director of that program for a year. During his career in education, Bob served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of School Principals and was a past President of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

It was Bob’s lifelong dream to become the mayor of his beloved city. Bob was elected to the Manchester Charter Commission in 1996 and helped modernize city government. In 1999 he ran for, and was elected to the first of his three terms as mayor. During his tenure (2000-2006), he concentrated on improving Manchester schools, and a 105 million dollar improvement plan was approved and implemented. Bob was pivotal in bringing the Fisher Cats Stadium to Manchester. He was also passionate about preserving the Palace Theatre, serving on the Board of Directors. He was a leading founder of Manchester Proud, STEAM Ahead, and a number of Manchester charities. Bob was named Principal of the Year in 1990, Educator of the Year in 1996, and Citizen of the Year by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce in 2005. He was also the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from Keene State College, the Granite State Award from the University of New Hampshire, as well as several honorary degrees.

Following his service as mayor, Bob was employed by Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Education and served as President of Chester College of New England. He was elected to the position of Keene State College Alumni Trustee for the USNH Board of Trustees. Bob also served on the Community College System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees, and the Southern New Hampshire University Board. At the time of his passing, he chaired the board of Manchester Community Television Services. For twenty years, Bob hosted the “Bob Baines Blarney Breakfast” which benefited charitable organizations such as the Special Olympics, The Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and the Shirley Brulotte Fund. Even though he was proud of his accomplishments and accolades, his true reward came from the connections and relationships that he made with people whom he encountered throughout his journey. His family is humbled by the number of people whose lives he touched.

Although he had a storied career, Bob’s primary dedication was to his family, his greatest accomplishment. In addition to his devoted wife of 51 years, Maureen, Bob is survived by his son Timothy Baines, his daughters Christina Vincent and her husband Norm and Catherine Gardner and her husband Ryan, his precious grandsons Jacob and Lucas Miller, and Shea and Beau Gardner, as well as his step-grandchildren Noah, Sean, and Olivia Vincent. He also leaves behind his siblings, Jim and Flora Baines, Al and Diane Baines, and Sue and Carl Fischer, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Rena Baines, and his sister Shirley Brulotte.

Calling hours will be held at Lambert Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29th from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 30th.

In lieu of flowers, please set aside a donation for the Bob Baines Scholarship Fund that is in the works. Details will be released publicly in the near future.