BALDINELLI, JOHN
June 24, 1922–December 2, 2020
John Baldinelli, age 98, of Cranston passed away peacefully on December 2, 2020.
Born in Providence, John was the son of Arduino and Francesca (Masi) Baldinelli. He is survived by his beloved wife of seventy four (74) years Mary (DeRita) Baldinelli.
John had three children, John Baldinelli and his wife Janice, Dennis Baldinelli and his wife Nancy and Donna Murray and her husband Robert. He was the proud Poppi to seven grandchildren, Jay, Scott, and Ryan Baldinelli, Kristin Noel and Kimberly, Kyle and Keith Murray. John also had seven great-grandchildren, Kate, Addie, Jack, Nathan, William, Isabella and Rylin.
John was preceded in death by his brothers Carmino ("Carl") Baldinelli and Angelo Baldinelli and his sisters Madeline Chirico, Jennie Tudone and Helen Merle.
A proud veteran of World War II, John served in the United States Army in the Pacific theater at Guadalcanal. As a member of the greatest generation who served our country with honor and valor, John would often quote original poems in praise of our nation and the American flag that embodied the true spirit and bravery of those who sacrificed for all of us.
After his military service, John worked in the dry cleaning industry. He owned and operated California Cleaners on Westminster Street in Providence for sixty six years and was patronized and adored by generations of neighborhood customers. His work ethic and love of his customers sustained him into his eighties.
Following retirement, he and his wife continued to live in their own home, hosting family and friends with great meals, good company and his singing of many songs. John had a keen awareness of current events and was always proud of his Italian-American heritage. While he may have fallen just short of his goal to live to one hundred years of age, John enriched all who knew him with an abundant quantity of great years matched with many special qualities of a life well lived.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial MONDAY at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Because of Covid restrictions, visitation and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged in John's memory to an organization in support of breast cancer research. Please share memories and condolences at WoodlawnGattone.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Baldinelli

Sponsored by Woodlawn Funeral Home - Cranston.

8 Entries

Michael Nolan

December 6, 2020

So saddened by this. I will always remember the conversations the poems. He was a true hero a gentleman and brought a smile where ever he went. My deepest sympathies with The Baldinelli family. Sending prayers

Barbara

December 6, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that I learned of John's death. I met him and his wife Mary, through friends of mine and I could not believe that he has passed. He was such a great story teller and just a great American who was proud of our country and our flag. He will be missed........And Mary, please know you are in my thoughts........You were so good to him.....Love Barbara (Lori and Claire's friend)

Deb Marciano & Ray Noll

December 6, 2020

Dear Baldinelli Family,

How does one recount the thousands of memories with a neighbor who was more like an uncle to me my whole life? So many thoughts have flooded my mind over the past few days, I have had a hard time sorting out a few to share.

Mary and John were close friends with my Auntie Stella and Uncle Paul first, almost 70 years ago – and so they always felt like family. They lived caddy-corner from the Torti’s and later, we moved across the street from the Baldinellis. Joanne, Stevie, Donna and I would “cut through” between the corners of the garages, instead of walking around the block.

We watched John would putt on the front lawn, as we were not allowed to go beyond the rain barrel without Mom knowing we didn’t know anyone else who played golf. His dog was Porkchop, who dutifully accompanied him to California Cleansers every day. John drove a panel truck way back then. He smoked cigars and wore a diamond ring. All different from the men in my family.

John, Uncle Paul and my dad taught us history – during their portrayal of The Spirit of ‘76 one 4th of July, as they marched up and down Jordan Avenue acting out the parts. John was playing his bugle, while Uncle Paul banged out a drum beat on a trash can cover, and Dad limped along, as an injured soldier, with a white rag wrapped around his head. We laughed but we were also mortified.

How many “snow” parties did we share, when what seemed like 9000 feet of snow fell and the hurricanes when the electricity went out. The Baldinelli’s had gas, so we would trek across the street to have dinner, play Password, and stay warm.

When Donna and I learned to play the guitar, John informed me that I was merely “strumming and not really playing notes”. But we just wanted to sing along to Beatles and Beach Boy’s songs, so it didn’t matter. But I could play notes and “real” music

Sometimes in the summers, when it was too hot to sleep and the doors and windows were open, John would play his trumpet and all of Jordan Ave could listen. He recited poetry, sang to us when he would see him, and man, did he love to tease my mother.

When my parents built their home in western Cranston, Mary and John could not bear the thoughts of not being nearby. By then, my aunt and uncle had passed, and the Baldinellis left the Stadium neighborhood to build across the street. From my parents. After I moved from RI, a visit to Cambio Court was expected and welcomed, as Mary tried to feed me – the visits were never long enough.

A party wasn’t a party without Mary and John, and many new years were welcomed together. On my 50th birthday, I returned to RI with Ray, for a party at my parents’ home. Of course, Mary and John and Donna were there. They got most of the answers correct on the “Who knows Deb Best” test that another friend had made up. That’s’ where these photos are from.

John was so sad to see my mother slipping away to Alzheimer’s. Yet, he always had a hug and a smile for her, a kiss and the many memories we all held on to.

Two summers ago, as Ray and I reveled in Florence, Italy, at the city-wide St. John the Baptist Feast celebration (their patron saint), it suddenly dawned on me that that was why he was named John It was June 24 - his birthday!

Last year, when Ray and I were back in RI for Christmas, John called my dad to tell him he felt dizzy. Ray was home alone, so he went over to see if John was ok. After a glass of water, John started telling Ray stories from the war - for over an hour. Ray was amazed at the clarity of the memories and enjoyed their time together.

Occasionally, John would call Dad and ask him to come over so they could talk about the old days. They were great friends and I know how much Dad will miss him.

Those beautiful blue eyes, the unstated love, care, and patriotism that always sparkled. The beautiful poems, the outstanding singing voice, and the sincerity of lifelong friendship are the best memories of all. We will all miss you, John. Godspeed. Please give my mom a hug from all of us.

Richard Francazio

December 6, 2020

What a beautiful person, an honorable man my Mom and Dad and Grandparents knew, it seems forever.

Growing up in Silver Lake, my Dad, my brother Chris, and I would go to California Cleaners 3-4 times a week to see John and Carl. What memories!

He watched us grow up, he is family.

To Mary and all of John’s loved ones, my deepest heartfelt sympathy.

John was “one in a million!”

Be well, be safe, and be strong!
With love,
Richard Francazio

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jOHN dAVID baldinelli

December 5, 2020

So sorry to hear of Cousin John's passing. Our family lost a great one! Cousin didn't make his "100" but he made us all proud! A, Patroit,a true American , he exuded "CLASS"---a genuine person. Love to Mary and family in their time of loss. John leaves a legacy for all and may HIS reward be eternal in Heaven. Love&Prayers His NH Cousin David

Lorraine Fusco

December 5, 2020

John was my dad's dear friend. Their friendship spanned over 50 years. He was a dear man who was fun loving and enjoyed making people happy with his songs and poems. God Bless you John. Say hi to your friend John in heaven. Always in our hearts. Lorraine Fusco

LOU VILLUCCI

December 5, 2020

To Donna, Bob, and the Murray family, please accept our sincere sympathies for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Lou and Val Villucci.

Verna pezzullo

December 4, 2020

I got to know John and Mary when I was about 7 years. They lived across the street from us in providence. We became his customers and I retained him til he finally retired. He delivered our clean clothes to my home and always stayed to talk. My husband and I and my 2 sons always enjoyed seeing, laughing and listening to him. He felt like family. I was a realtor for 40 years and John and Mary gave me there home on Jordan ave as my first listing. I told him it was my first listing and appreciated his confidence. John told me he trusted me, knew the kind of person I was and confident I would be successful. I always felt his confidence and encouragement made me the successful realtor I became. Rest In Peace, John

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