Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Edwin Baldrige Obituary
Dr. Edwin R. Baldrige, Jr. Flags are flying at half-staff over Muhlenberg College and the world is a little less bright and funny with the passing of Dr. Edwin R. Baldrige, Jr., 83, of Luther Crest Retirement Community, South Whitehall Twp. Ed died peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2014, in the Luther Crest Health Care Center, surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of Georgia (Wright) Baldrige, with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage on August 30, 2013. Born in Hollidaysburg, he was the son of the late Edwin R. and Marion (Trexler) Baldrige. Dr. Baldrige was a generous and kind man with a gifted sense of humor. He welcomed all he saw with a warm smile and a quick joke. His humor, optimism, and assortment of tricks and sayings live on through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues, students, and many friends, but his legacy will endure. A graduate of the Haverford School for Boys, Ed continued his education at Dartmouth College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1952. He received his Master of Arts Degree and Ph.D. in 1954 and 1963, respectively, from Lehigh University. An Army veteran, Ed served his country in Germany from 1955 to 1957. After he arrived home from the service, Ed began his teaching career at Muhlenberg College, where he served as Professor of History for 40 years until he retired in 1997. He was a charter member of the Faculty Club and served as its president from 1966 to 1982. Dedicated to education, Ed served on the Parkland School Board from 1970 to 1982 and was a former President. A member of the Lehigh County Historical Society, he served on the Board and as President of the organization. He served on the Board of the Institute for Learning in Retirement and taught there for several years after his own retirement. He was a former member of the Allentown Housing Authority and a longtime member of the Allentown Kiwanis Club and Contemporary Club. He was also a member and former Elder and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown. Ed was recognized with scores of honors throughout his life, including: the inaugural Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg Distinguished Service Professor; the Alumni Associations award for Distinguished and Exceptional Service to the College; and the Trustees Award for Continuing Service to the College. Survivors: Wife; sons, Edwin R. Baldrige III and his wife, Lydia Panas, of Kutztown, Thomas T. Baldrige and his wife, Susan, of Lancaster, Christopher W. Baldrige and his partner, David Skerpon, of Harrisburg; grandchildren, Jordan and his wife, Kay, Holland, Lukas, Elias, Anastassia, Liam; great-grandchildren, Keegan and Ellie. Services: Memorial service 11 a.m., Saturday, in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown. Call 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, in the church. Arrangements by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown, www.jsburkholder.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Muhlenberg College, in memory of Edwin R. Baldrige, Jr., Attn. Development Office, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104; Meals On Wheels of Lehigh County, 4234 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 18104; or the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Baldrige
Nancy D. Joyner
January 8, 2025
Chris and I loved your humor. You can never be forgotten!
Nancy D. Joyner
January 9, 2024
There never was anyone quite like Ed. His humor was contagious.
Michele Grasso
January 8, 2020
Dear Georgia, I will always remember Ed's sense of humor as well as his intelligence and caring. I hope that you are well and know that he is not forgotten.
Susan Williams Edmondson
January 24, 2014
What a lovely service, honoring a great man. Ed has a place in the hearts of my entire family. He was loved by many for his quick wit and humor as well as his big heart. May he rest in peace.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jody and Charlie Myers
January 21, 2014
Dear Baldrige family,
What wonderful neighbors you were. My family has so many wonderful memories of Dr. Baldrige. He would always make you laugh. The service was a beautiful tribute to him. His memories will forever keep you smiling. You are in our thought and prayers.
Ann Sternal
January 20, 2014
Dear Georgia, Ed, Tom, and Chris,
I wish to add my condolences to those of so many other people whose lives were touched by Ed. He was truly a special man, and I remember him with such great fondness, respect and admiration. I am so glad that our paths crossed in Allentown and at Muhlenberg College! God bless you and grant you peace.
Nancy Joyner
January 19, 2014
Ed Baldridge was a dear friend during and after our time at Muhlenberg College. My husband, the late Christopher C. Joyner, kept in correspondence with him. Ed's joy of history, his sense of humor and his devotion to his family and Muhlenberg friends can never be forgotten.
January 18, 2014
To the Baldrige family: Just thinking of Dr Baldrige puts a smile on my face. A fabulous and challenging professor, he made every classroom session an experience. His zest for life, for learning, and for his students was unstoppable. I imagine all of his students have a favorite "Dr. Baldrige story": mine is the unforgettable trip to Philadelphia on a May Sunday to see the sights for our Colonial History class-and being hurried along on our "running tour of Phladelphia" because we needed to get to Veteran's Stadium in time for batting practice - the true objective of our trip !
My condolences on your loss of a truly gentle gentleman.
Sally Wagner,77
Penllyn Pa
January 18, 2014
Clearly a gifted man who gave of himself. My condolences to the Baldrige family.
Robert Chamberlin
Nancy Lloyd
January 18, 2014
Dear Georgia and family,
How fortunate I was to know Ed, even a little, as a resident of the neighborhood. He was unique, kind, generous, thoughtful, witty, fun, and so intelligent. You made us feel so welcome as relative newcomers. I will cherish these memories. It seems as if you are still present on Oxford Circle. You are both so missed. May happy memories soothe your grief. His life and all of you are his wonderful legacy.
Ken Wonderland
January 18, 2014
To Mrs. Baldrige and the family: It should come as no surprise to all of you how dear your husband, father and patriarch, is in the lives of thousands who were blessed by his influence as teacher, mentor and friend. He made History more than facts and dates but living and engaging. And his connection in class or boardroom set an balanced example for persons with their living, active faith. He trained us all so well. We thank you for sharing him with a world that needed his smile. God Bless you all.
Valerie Ianieri & Jim Warlick
January 18, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Baldrige. What a wonderful legacy he leaves ... Just reading about his accomplishments and selflessness makes you want to be a better person! Dr. B... You are now going to the REAL golden arches ( that's for Tom!).
Thomas Dinkelacker
January 17, 2014
My favorite professor... good-bye and God bless. Tom Dinkelacker '78
January 17, 2014
So here's how we met: I was sitting alone in the crowded library of the old History/Faculty/Hoffman House waiting for an English seminar to begain and suddenly a whirlwind appeared at my side and said, "Look closely at that mural and you will see that all the soldiers on both sides have exactly the same faces. Saved the artist time. They were shooting all around him, you know." Exit whirlwind. Whirlwind immediately returns, "But if you can find the one with blue eyes, there's a special prize in it for you. Hint: start in the back left." Exit.
I just sat there laughing.
I think throughout the years I knew Ed, he never greeted me by name. He just started right in with a bit of information, a joke, a "Say did you know...?" and you were left a bit smarter, a little breathless, laughing, and always grateful he had chosen to talk to you.
What a gift he was to my world!
Georgia, Ed, Tom and Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. His love for all of you was strong.
Now where we find a aparkler like Ed to keep us safe and happy?
Theodore & Marcela Wills
January 17, 2014
Our most sincere condolences to the Baldridge family upon your recent loss of such a great father, husband, educator, community leader, and veteran.
Tim and Carol Romig
January 17, 2014
Dear Georgia and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You and Ed and the rest of the Muhlenberg family helped us through our darkest hour. May you feel the support we all.send to you now.
Ed Mazur
January 17, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Baldrige family. I am certain I wasn't alone this week when hearing his name again, even in reference to his passing, brought a smile to my face. You could learn a lot more than history whenever you were around him. His passing is an occasion for mourning, but his life is a cause for celebration. The twinkle in his eye is etched in our memories. What a terriific legacy!
With Dr. & Mrs. Baldrige at the Class of '93 10 year reunion
Scott Nowack
January 16, 2014
To Mrs. Baldrige and family: I am saddened by the news of Dr. Baldrige's death on Tuesday. He was my favorite professor and advisor at Muhlenberg. He was a good and decent man, a gentleman and a scholar. He opened up for us a new window on the world, providing a fresh breeze and a view of what we often overlook and take for granted. He offered a different perspective on life. Life is not about getting and spending but sharing and caring, life is not impressing and being impressed but enjoying and loving. Life is not being first in line but it is serving those who stand in line. He had that special “spark”; that quiet confidence, that certain twinkle in his eye, that sheepish, confident grin and an aura that reeks of personal integrity, compassion, joy and love. He loved life completely and lived it intensely. I am grateful to God for having the chance to know him and learn from him. He was a blessing to me. I am confident that he is home with his Lord and Savior. And I can hear the God of all creation saying, “Well done! Good and faithful servant! Welcome home!”
January 16, 2014
To Tom, Chris and the Baldrige family,
I was sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. What a joy it would have been to have him as a teacher.
I have experienced that alzheimer's shadows our view of our loved one.
Now the veil is lifted and as you celebrate his life he will shine through as a man in full. Peace,
Tom Donley
Karen (Gould) Bachert
January 16, 2014
Remembering great, fun times shared together with Ed and Georgia in Stone Harbor, NJ and their wonderful friendship with my parents. I can still see Ed riding his bike in the mornings in Stone Harbor to get the newspaper, doing magic tricks for my kids and eating seafood with our family at the yearly parties we had there. What a wonderfully funny and unique person he was! Our family will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love are with Georgia and the whole Baldridge family.
Diane Beslanovits
January 16, 2014
Georgia and family....Ed was surely one-of-a-kind and the best neighbor one could ever ask for....Rob and I will cherish many many memories with you both on Oxford Circle....he surely left his imprint on the neighborhood and we'll always feel his presence on the block....he was such a special guy and will be missed so much...sending much love....Rob and Diane
Georgia Crump (Class of 75)
January 15, 2014
Dear Baldrige Family - I am so sorry that you and the larger world has lost this wonderful person. I can never think of Dr. Baldrige without smiling, and remembering how every person important to history met his or her demise in the same way as Julius Ceasar: "stabbed with a 6-inch blade, and collapsed in a pool of blood - a beaten, broken man," probably on his way to Macungie. That sounds macabre, but delivered in his unique way, it was marvelous. Because my first name was so familiar to him, he always used both my first and last, in very rapid fashion. His love for history, baseball, and teaching were contagious. I feel very fortunate to have experienced my dear Dr. Baldrige while at Muhlenberg, and always enjoyed seeing him at reunions. He will truly be missed. My sincere sympathies to you, his family.
Pam Bechtel
January 15, 2014
Ed was such a great guy and wonderful Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County volunteer. He and Georgia were not only partners in life , but partners in volunteering. They started on our first day of service 2/1/71 . He was always a bright spot in our day, with a big hello and something funny to make us laugh. Through all his years of volunteering, he drove 10,898 miles and made 787 delivery trips! He was one-in-a-million and he'll always have a place in our hearts.
January 15, 2014
Georgia and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
We were very blessed to have Ed as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County. He was an amazing person with a great personality.
We hope you find comfort in all your memories.
Hugs to you!
Dorothy Bloom and the Meals on Wheels Staff
Leslie Korkgy-Valenti
January 15, 2014
God Bless you Dr. Baldrige!
Leslie Korkgy-Valenti
January 15, 2014
Dear Mrs.Baldrige,I'm so sad to hear of your loss. You know how I admired and loved Dr. B. He was very special to me and really made my time at Muhlenberg VERY SPECIAL! My parents also send their condolences as well. God Speed!
Michele Grasso
January 15, 2014
Georgia,
I am so glad that I got to know you and Ed through Meals on Wheels. I so enjoyed Ed's sense of humor and intelligence. I hope the wonderful memories you have of your life together sustain you. Hugs.
Roche Family
January 15, 2014
Baldrige Family
Was always great to see and speak with Ed at Westwood Heights Swim Club.
May he rest in peace.
Steve Nemes
January 15, 2014
Georgia, Eddie, Tom & Chris my sincerest prayers. We were all so blessed to have known your father. He is someone I will never forget and my memories of him will always be cherished. I always felt a special bond with your dad having gone to school/taught all of you before I really knew him. He will be missed and I am sure there are a lot more smiles and laughs in heaven.
Tawnya Krasley
January 15, 2014
Georgia and family,I am very sorry for your loss.Ed was a sweet and funny man!He will be missed!He always put a smile on my face seeing him walking back to his apartment making jokes n silly faces on the way!Rest in Peace Ed!
Elizabeth Flores
January 14, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
January 14, 2014
Dear Georgia and family, heaven has gained an angel who will continue looking over us from above. Our heartfelt condolences. James and Estela DeRosa and Family.
January 14, 2014
Dear Georgia,
We were so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. But what a gift he was to the world and will be missed by many. Do know you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly and with sympathy,
Sue and Bill Weber
Glenn Koch '86
January 14, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Baldrige family. One of the most enjoyable days I ever spent as a Muhlenberg student was on a "running" tour of historic Philadelphia. We breezed quickly by all the historic spots just so that we could get to Veteran's Stadium in time for the Phillies game; the real reason for the trip. He sure was a character and someone who made my days at Berg all the brighter. The entire college community feels this loss.
Michael Mescavage
January 14, 2014
May your loved one soar on Eagles wings for the Great Courage HE has shown,
Our Freedom which HE fought for and His love of country for which he gave.
The members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart
Michael J. Mescavage, Cmdr.
Dept. of Pennsylvania
Military Order of the Purple Heart
January 14, 2014
We send our heartfelt sympathy from the Zamborsky family. Our great memories of this amazing witty and brilliant man center on the Westwood Hts years. The Swim Club was a Mecca for his family and ours. Indeed we all shall miss him.
Scott Soffen '74
January 14, 2014
One of the finest teachers and inspirations in my life. I will cherish the moments spent in his classes and his influence on my love of history! RIP dear friend!
January 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Ed brightened Luther Crest. I always enjoyed our talks in the hallways. Teresa/employee of Luther Crest.
January 14, 2014
Ed Baldrige was always Mr. Muhlenberg to us. He was gracious to all, endowed with an abiding sense of humor, and fun to work with whether as a colleague on a faculty committee or as a college administrator. (He served for one year as interim dean of the faculty). Students in his history courses were entertained as well as educated, a combination which insured that in years to come former students would still reminisce about a history class with Dr. Baldrige. It is very sad to lose Ed. Those of us who have known him as a colleague and a friend will always remember him as the good and decent person he was.
Our heartfelt condolences to Georgia and the entire Baldrige family.
Charles and Beluse Bednar
Charles Eisenhart
January 14, 2014
When I was a senior at 'Berg in 1965, Prof Ed Stevens unexpectedly died, leaving me, a classical languages major, a credit short. That spring I borrowed Dean Baldrige's Falcon station wagon twice a week and drove to Lehigh to take a class with Prof Fever there. I owe Dr. Baldrige a lot.
Elaine & Gary Owens
January 14, 2014
Dear Georgia,
We are so sad for you and your family, but thinking of Ed always makes us laugh. He was a unique guy and we are so glad we had a chance to know him.
Susan Case
January 14, 2014
I was a History major at Muhlenberg and student of Dr. Baldridge's and remember him fondly. He was a wonderful teacher and such an enthusiastic person. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
January 14, 2014
I knew Ed as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was very reliable and never said no when called to help.Condolences to wife Georgia and family. He will be missed!
AnnaJean Henry,Exec.Director, Retired
Ron Lewis
January 14, 2014
Georgia,
Please know that the presence of Ed, actually of you and Ed, in our lives was a blessing to our family, going way back to Youth Club. May he rest in comfort and peace.
Dustie Snavely
January 14, 2014
Tom, I am so sorry for your loss, your dad was a special man and I know how much you will miss him. Dustie
Richard Lewis
January 14, 2014
I am among the many 'Berg students who benefited from having known and learned from this marvelous man. I was in the class of '62 and still have great memories of his impish smile. A sad loss indeed!
Karen Christman
January 14, 2014
Dear Baldrige family,
I new Mr Baldrige from meals on wheels. I enjoy his jokes and his wonderful smile.
Jane Shoemaker
January 14, 2014
Ed Baldrige - and the entire Baldrige family - as neighbors and dear friends for many years, always have been and always will be so dear to my heart. So many memories. Dr. Baldrige was a fine, bright, wonderful, funny, and unique man. Always an experience to be with him. What a great loss, but what a treasure to have known him. My heartfelt sympathies to Georgia, Ed, Tom, Chris, and all of their family. With love,
Jane Shoemaker
Robert Nedwich
January 14, 2014
My condolences to the Baldrige family, Dr. B. was such an inspiration to me I don't know where to begin. His knowledge, humor, and compassion brightened this world greatly, but at least even those who knew a little in comparison to you his family are still rich indeed. I like other students, must conclude with a humorous remembrance. On a field trip to Gettysburg, we went to Devil's Den and Dr. B stood underneath a group of boulders that formed an arch, Dr. B said this one isn't where I left it last time and placed his hands above his head and tried to lift the boulder (I have a picture of this). After straining for a second, he looked at us and winked, saying: "It was lighter back then."
January 14, 2014
Ed, Tom, and Chris, Your Dad was and, always, will be held in high esteem by me for his professionalism and humor. May peace be with you. Wayne R. Dubbs
Hava Lynn Pell
January 14, 2014
Oh Chris, I knew your father. My dad, Albert Pell (1926-1986) founded the Housing board and was active in Kiwanis. So sorry for your family's loss. Your father is a blessing.
Cindy Kula (Wargo)
January 14, 2014
Mr Baldridge was a wonderful neighbor. I still remember walking to the bus stop every day and he would follow with Simba making jokes all the way. He was a very funny man who could always make you laugh. He will be sadly missed.
Mike & Sue Dugan
January 14, 2014
Chris
Very Sorry for your loss.
January 14, 2014
We are so sorry.
We never missed his class at ILR. So smart, so funny.
Jenny and Dick Holben
January 14, 2014
I was hoping you would share your father's obituary since I didn't know him personally. Now I see where so many of your character traits come from. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. My sympathies to you and your family.
Sheila Ross
Daniel Spengler
January 14, 2014
I was saddened to hear of the death of my old Berg history prof. (Class of '72) I was amazed that many years later he remembered my name when our paths crossed at a lecture. The obit mentioned funny sayings remembered by the family, so I'll contribute one: On a field trip to historic Philadelphia, he was looking back at the class while discussing some historic event and walked into a telephone pole. Without missing a beat, he said "Make a note of that" and went right on with his talk. I often share that story with my family as I walk and talk with them on similar historical excursions. What a great guy, sure to be missed by all.
January 14, 2014
Like literally thousands of students, I feel a personal loss over the passing of "Eddies" Baldrige. He taught me to love history, and more importantly, not to take it too seriously. In the best meaning of the word, he was a character who gave everyone he touched a feeing that he/she was important. Thank you. Goodbye old friend. Your legacy is secure. "Bobbys" Foster '71
Jim Saunders
January 14, 2014
My sympathies to the family in the passing of this genuinely wonderful man. Back in the 60's, Dean Baldridge gave me an opportunity to go to Muhlenberg, even though my grades and SAT's werent worthy of entry. He saw something in me and challenged me, and for that I will ever be grateful. Enjoy eternity with the Lord, dear Dean
Wayne and Heather Dubov
January 14, 2014
Now we know why Chris is such a kind, smart, funny person. He was raised with Dr. Baldrige as a role model filled with positive energy. We are truly sorry for the family's and the community's loss.
Melissa Pavlack
January 14, 2014
I have hardly a childhood memory that doesn't include the Baldrige family. Such a loss of a brilliant, vibrant and loving person. Heading to college as a young person who knew absolutely nothing of the world, Dr. B was right there to guide me on the right course to take (also directions to the buildings where my classes were). I think everyone loved him!! Heaven is a brighter place to have him there.
Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results
Make a Donation
in Edwin Baldrige's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Edwin Baldrige
Funeral services provided by:
J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc.1601 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102
People and places connected with Edwin
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Edwin's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Edwin Baldrige's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
