Submitted by: Dan Rich
Dec. 4, 1929 - March 21, 2008
South Bend Tribune 3/27/2008
MISHAWAKA - Ferdinand "Freddie" Baldini, 78, of
Naples, Florida, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away following a
brief illness on Friday, March 21, 2008, in Naples Community
Hospital. Freddie was born December 4, 1929, in Mishawaka, a son
of the late August and Helen (Maggioli) Baldini. He
attended St. Joseph Elementary and graduated from Mishawaka High
School in 1947.
On June 4, 1949, Freddie married the former
Marjorie Sheets and the couple made Mishawaka their home, living
in Normain Heights for 40 years. He was employed for 32 years
with Uniroyal. Freddie was active in the community and was a
member of St. Monica Catholic Church. He loved playing softball
and football as well as helping coach over the years. His
favorite sports teams were the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit
Lions. Freddie was well-known for his hard work. His home had the
best looking yard and he loved gardening. Freddie was a beloved
and supportive grandfather and great-grandfather. He was always
there for sporting events and enjoyed entertaining and teaching
his grandkids. In the summertime, his favorite pastimes included
spending time boating and fishing with his kids and grandkids at
the lake.
In 1997 Freddie and his wife moved to
Naples, Florida. Although retired, he was known for his hard work
and fun personality in the Enchanting Acres Retirement Community.
He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in
Naples. Freddie's surviving family includes his wife of over 58
years, Marjorie of Naples; two sons, Doug (Jan) Baldini and Craig
(Karen) Baldini, all of Mishawaka; five grandchildren; Kristie
(John) Miller, Karla Baldini, Keith Baldini, Philip
(Jessica) Baldini and Sara (Mike) Dill; and six
great-grandchildren. Freddie will be missed by the many people he
touched during his busy life.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W.
Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Cremation
has taken place and burial will be at a later date in Fairview
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St.
Monica Church or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Envelopes will be available at the church. Thallemer, Goethals
& Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, is
serving the Baldini family.