Remembering Bob Baines, Former Manchester Mayor and Friend of IINE

Late last month, the International Institute of New England (IINE) lost one of our greatest patrons and friends, former Manchester Mayor Bob Baines, who passed away at the age of 79.  

For many years, Bob hosted a “Bob Baines Blarney Breakfast” each March. The event raised funds for several charities, including the International Institute of New England’s Shirley Brulotte Fund. The fund, named for Bob’s late sister, helped hundreds of refugee and immigrant families make rental payments, buy food and clothing, and navigate their early days and months in Manchester. 

Bob believed deeply that new Americans are critical to the growth and vitality of Manchester and the entire country. He was proud that Manchester welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds from around the world, and he celebrated the city’s great diversity. 

At his core, Bob was an educator. He was much beloved, both as a schoolteacher and as a principal. Countless former students of Bob have supported IINE over the years, and there is no doubt they were moved to do so because of Bob’s example.  

Bob cared about every resident of Manchester. He leaves a legacy of kindness and an example of how to lead a full and joyous life in service of others.  

The International Institute of New England is grateful to have known Bob and to have been a beneficiary of his generosity and talent. We will miss him dearly.