Laconia, NH----Lawrence Baldi of Laconia, New Hampshire passed away peacefully on May 13, 2011. He was 76 years old. He was the son of Lawrence Sr. and Charlotte Baldi. He graduated from Laconia Schools. As a child he was active in sports, particularly track and he was an Eagle Scout. Lawrence loved the beauty and serenity of the Lakes Region and was frequently quoted as referring to it as “God’s Country”. Lawrence was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. He will certainly be missed.
Lawrence graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He then went on to Columbia University to study business. He was a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity, an honorary national mathematics society.
He began his professional working career as an engineer for Sprague Electric in North Adams, Massachusetts. Later, he accepted a position with the engineering team for Boeing Aircraft. This team worked in conjunction with M.I.T. to develop the supersonic Bomarc Missile. These were the world’s first long range anti-aircraft missiles.
In 1959, Lawrence & Patricia returned to the Lakes Region and opened up their first business. The Norge Village, a Laundromat and dry cleaning facility in the Simoneau Plaza in Nashua and later the Econo-wash Laundromat in Laconia. He continued to acquire real estate and more notable landmarks thereafter which include the Colonial Theater block in downtown Laconia, Animal Forest Park (later renamed “The Enchanted Forest) which consisted of an animal park, amusement rides, haunted mansion, mini golf course, bumper boats, go-karts, giant slide, gift shop and an arcade located in the Weirs Beach area, the Weirs Drive-In Theater and other real estate around the Lakes Region. In addition to these businesses, they also created one of the largest video rental stores in Central New Hampshire.
Later with his son, Lawrence went on to develop a small chain of video game arcades throughout New Hampshire called the “Electric Dream Factory”, locations included Manchester, Hooksett, Dover, Tilton, Laconia and some of the major ski areas.
Lawrence can also be remembered as one of the original founding members of the Belknap Mill Restoration Society. The idea of restoring and saving the mill can be largely credited to Dick Davis, the founder of Aavid. But saving it and restoring the turbines appealed to Lawrence’s engineering background and the results can be seen today. Belknap Mill was just hours away from being demolished when Lawrence, Dick Davis, Norm Weeks and Peter Karagianis obtained an injunction to stop the bulldozers.
Lawrence is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Patricia, and their children: Mr. Lawrence Baldi III and wife, Brandi, his children. Kevin and Greg, and their children, Kaitlynn, Sarah, Joseph, and Julia. Dr. Susan Baldi Fraseur and husband, James, and son, Spencer, Mrs. Jennifer Fournier and husband, Michael. and their daughters, Courtney and Christine. Ms. Cindi Baldi and husband, Dr. Geoffrey Tumlin. Lawrence is also survived by his sister, Mrs. Patricia Moriarty, and husband, Craig, and their children, Mrs. Carol Federico, Mr. John Moriarty and Mrs. Leigh Huml.
Calling hours are from Noon-2:00PM on Friday, May 20, 2011 in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00PM also at the Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. A Remembrance Gathering will be at the Belknap Mill. Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to the Belknap Mill Society, c/o The Historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon Street East, Laconia, N.H.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.