Thayer "Ted" Baldwin Jr.

1940 - 2020

Baldwin Jr., Thayer "Ted"
The Honorable Thayer (Ted) Baldwin Jr. passed away on December 9th from complications related to COVID 19. The family is grateful to the staff at Atria Larson Place who have supported his care over the past several years. Ted was born in Waterbury, CT. November 20, 1940 to Thayer and Hilda Baldwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Seth, his wife Barbara Geller and his former wife Judith Baldwin. He spent his childhood in both Watertown, CT and Hull, MA. Ted attended The Taft School, Yale University and Georgetown Law School. He made his home in his beloved city of New Haven CT. He had a long career in public service. He was among the founders of Long Wharf Theater as its initial Executive Director. He was Corporation Counsel for the City of New Haven during portions of both the Frank Logue and John DeStefano administrations. He served as a Health Commissioner for the State of Connecticut. He was appointed Superior Court Judge for the State of Connecticut in 2001. Ted was known by all as a driven and authentic public servant. His dedication to others started in law school doing pro bono work during the civil rights movement. In private practice he fought for housing rights for people with disabilities. He was tireless in his work with state and local governments. As a judge, he gave fair hearing to the issues of economic injustice, institutional racism, and oppression. He focused much of his efforts on gun violence, fair housing laws, and juvenile justice reform. He was a dedicated father and grandfather. He was at peace when he had all of his children with him. He was generous with his joy when spending time with family and friends while participating in community theatre, dancing, playing cribbage, orchestrating clam bakes, and splashing in the waves at the beach. Ted is survived by his sister Elizabeth Baldwin, his children Teo (wife Suzy) Baldwin, Christopher Baldwin, Caitlin Baldwin, Jaime (husband William) Saturno, Jacob Baldwin, Sadra (husband Rashid) Baldwin and Derrick Baldwin Reyes. His grandchildren: Jordan, James(Cenzo), David, Roger, Eli, Giancarlo, Pricilla, Isabella, Zephaniah, Suzannah Estelle, and Nadia. His great granddaughter, Raine. Dear niece Anne Lipsitz.
A memorial service will be scheduled after COVID restrictions have passed and friends and family can safely come together to celebrate Ted's spirit and commitment to friends, family and community. Ted would feel strongly that those who want to honor their connection to him and his work to please direct donations to an organization of their choice that they believe honors his legacy. The Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of his arrangements. Share a memory and sign Ted's guest book online at www.iovanne.com.