Joseph A. Baldassarre, MD, a long-time Somerville physician, died Friday evening at the Lahey Clinic. He was 87.
Born and raised in Boston’s North End he was the son of the late Marciello and Angelina Baldassarre. Joseph went to college and medical school at Kansas City University. In 1947 he settled in Somerville, married and opened up his practice at 42 Main St. During the Korean War, he served as an Army physician. He returned to his practice at the end of the war and went about caring for the people of Winter Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods. He was affiliated with the Somerville Hospital and the former Central Hospital. Although a general practitioner, he performed surgery and brought 850 babies into the world. Day and night he tended the needs of his patients, whether in his office, at the hospital or on house-calls and never turned anyone away. He was a member of the Vittorio Rocci Post in Beverly, the American Medical Assoc., Somerville Rotary and was an avid bridge player.
He was the beloved husband of Rose (Gangi), with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Marcia Baldassarre of Woburn, Joseph Baldassarre and his wife Elaine of Woburn, John Baldassarre and his wife Sharon of Nashua, NH. He was a loving grandfather to Joseph, Jillian and Michael. He was a loving great-grandfather to Hailey, Heaven, Noelle, Kelsey and Christiano. He was a dear brother to the late Pasquale, Anthony and Alphonse Baldassarre.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Wednesday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to the Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd. Burlington, MA 01805. Late US Army Veteran, Korean War.