Edward J. Baldassari

Edward J Baldassari, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Born in Walpole, Massachusetts on September 27, 1928, he was the son of the late Annible and Casilda (Alphonsi) Baldassari.  As a lifelong resident of Walpole, Edward attended Walpole High School, where he was a three-season athlete, playing football, hockey, and baseball.  Following his graduation in 1948, Edward enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War.  He was stationed in Alaska, building runways, before he was honorably discharged in February of 1953.

 

Upon his return home to Walpole, Edward found work with Bird and Son Box Company in East Walpole.  He married his beloved wife, Evelyn M. Sullivan, in 1953 and together they made their home on Lincoln Road in Walpole, where they welcomed their two sons, James and John.  Edward later began his career with the United States Postal Service, working as a letter carrier out of the Walpole Post Office.  He was assigned to all the routes over the course of his years prior to his retirement in 1988.  Following his retirement, Edward looked forward to spending his winter months with Evelyn in Nalcrest, Florida, escaping the cold and snow of New England.

 

Stemming from his high school days, Edward had a lifelong love for sports.  In addition to watching his beloved Boston teams on television, he was a season ticket holder for the New England Patriots for several years.  As a young father, Edward took great pride in coaching his sons in both Pop Warner Football and Youth Hockey at the 4 Seasons Arena.  While he enjoyed watching sports, Edward loved participating.  As an avid tennis player, Edward regularly could be found on the court, advancing his game as he went.  As the sun went down on the tennis courts, Edward traveled to the Hi Way Bowl Way on Route 1 in Walpole, where he was a member of a local league with his wife.  In the more recent years, Edward enjoyed staying active, playing bocce, shuffleboard, softball in his Florida league, or simply taking a long walk with Evelyn. 

 

Edward always maintained a full social calendar.  In addition to his teams and leagues, he looked forward to a friendly card game or a night out dancing with Evelyn.  He was truly at his best when he hosted pool parties at his home on Lincoln Road.  While he stayed busy, Edward enjoyed his quiet time too, working with watercolor and oil paints to created beautiful canvases for his family to enjoy.

 

Beloved husband of the late Evelyn M. (Sullivan) Baldassari.

Loving father of James E. Baldassari and his wife, Karen, of Venice, Florida and John J. Baldassari of Millis.

Cherished grandfather of Matthew D. Baldassari of Walpole.

Brother of Emilio Baldassari of Walpole, the late Angelina F. Palladini and the late Lea Baldassari.

 

As a result of the ongoing and ever-developing health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, Edward’s family has decided that his funeral mass will be private with interment taking place in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.  Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.