Catherine A. Baldassarre

Catherine A. Baldassarre, 78, of Estero, Florida passed away on the 9th of December, 2025.

Catherine was born in Everett, Massachusetts on the 1st of January, 1947, to Joseph and Catherine Sullivan and was a graduate of St. Rose High School. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Ralph P. Baldassarre, her two children, Matthew S. Baldassarre, BSME, MBA and spouse Melinda S. Baldassarre, BS, CTRS (of Ferndale, MI) and Lauren A. Baldassarre, MD and spouse Marcelo F. Cassini, MD, PhD (of Fairfield, CT), her grandchildren Michael, Jacob, and Angelina, and her siblings Joseph Sullivan, John Sullivan, and Timothy Sullivan. She is also survived by a large and loving extended family of sisters and brothers in-law and two generations of nieces and nephews.

Catherine was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother known for her perseverance, facing with courage a lifelong battle with type 1 juvenile diabetes since age nine. Never one to let her illness define or confine her, she supported her family through many national and international moves, including finding the best communities for her children, leading the purchase of new homes and working directly with builders, allowing for smooth relocations for her children and household. She also enjoyed countless adventures traveling the world with her husband Ralph, always embracing new and exotic experiences with curiosity and excitement. She was active in her community, volunteering at hospitals and schools and supporting fundraising activities for various causes, including the donation of medical equipment to Guam Memorial Hospital. She was kind and generous, making cherished friendships all over the world. She enjoyed playing Mahjong and spending time with her many friends in Florida, where she has lived since 2005 at Shadow Wood Country Club. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, supporting research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&idb=1417066847&df_id=2374