WORCESTER-John J. Baldwin, 87, of Worcester, died Wednesday, April 25th in his home surrounded by his family. He leaves his loving wife of 61 years, Julianne (Murphy) Baldwin; 2 sons, John Baldwin and his wife Elizabeth of Yantic, CT, and William Baldwin of Worcester; 2 daughters, Julianne, wife of Gerald Creamer of Shrewsbury and Lois, wife of Robert Childs of Worcester; a sister, Eva Meixner of Worcester; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was born in Worcester, the son of John and Eva Balsavich; and was a 1937 graduate of South High School where he was an All-City basketball and baseball player. After serving in the Army in World War II, he graduated from Syracuse University and later received his Masters in Education from Worcester State College. While at Syracuse he was captain and a star of its baseball team. He was honored by the City of Worcester when Syracuse played Holy Cross, declaring it John Baldwin Day. While in the service, he played for the service basketball and baseball teams at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. John will be remembered as an outstanding baseball player for the Norton Company Team in the Worcester Industrial League. John had a long and distinguished career as a teacher and coach in the Worcester Public School System. He taught Business at South High School for many years and won several city championships as Head Baseball and Basketball Coach while at South. Mr. Baldwin also was an assistant coach in football. He retired in 1981. His memberships included the EAW, MTA and NEA. John enjoyed traveling with his wife Julianne and being involved with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral is Friday, April 27th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at Noon in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are from 9:30 until 11:30 the morning of the funeral in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.