Unal Bakker

Unal Bakker, known as U.B., died June 16, 2021, with his family by his side. U.B. was born in Ankara, Turkey. He studied at Ankara University and pursued graduate studies at Cornell University, where he completed his doctorate.

U.B. graduated with a B.S./ M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Ankara University (Turkey) and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Adult and Extension Education from Cornell University. Upon graduation he worked in Agricultural Engineering at Cornell before joining the faculty in Penn State’s 4-H Office.

U.B. is survived by his wife, Masume Assaf, and his daughter Jila Bakker (David Jones) and his son Errol Bakker (Jackie Tressito) and grandchildren Milam, Joshua, Jacob, and Arabella.

In retirement U.B. was an avid gardener until his health declined, and he often gifted cuttings and blooms to passersby. He read widely and particularly enjoyed science fiction and espionage novels. He was active in the State College Elks Lodge and several local organizations, and enjoyed his friendships.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in memory of U.B. Bakker can be made to Penn State 4-H (https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/donate/support-4-h-in-your-county); Taproot Kitchen (https://www.taprootkitchen.org/help-us-grow/); or Ten Thousand Villages (https://give.tenthousandvillages.com/).

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.