Nathaniel Baldwin Jr.

Nathaniel (Nate) Baldwin Jr., also known as JR, passed away at home on December 25th, 2022. He was born on December 19th, 1946 in Cresent, Georgia to Evelyn and Nathaniel Baldwin; Jr was the third of six children. He completed his early education in Cresent Georgia, and in his teen years relocated to Hartford, Connecticut. At 21 he joined the Marine Corps and served for four years. During that time that he began his journey as an employee of the City of Hartford where he stayed until his retirement. He retired after 37 years of dedicated service as an Area Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department, servicing all the parks in the Hartford area. Nate had a passion for cooking. During his time with the city, he dedicated his weekends to not only pursing that passion but also his dream of owning a business. He named his business "The Rib Master" and became known as "Rib Man" in his community. He was well respected and widely acknowledged as someone who genuinely cared about people, regardless of age, station or stature.
Nate was a music lover, with an eclectic taste ranging from James Brown, Nate Dogg, Ben E. King, Otis Redding, to Eminem, 50 Cent, Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Sam Cooke and many more. He also loved the outdoors. Other hobbies included cooking, singing, and he was quite the dresser; no matter the occasion, he loved showing off his fashion sense. Nate was as a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church until he moved back to Georgia.
Nate is now at peace with his fiancé Sheena Johnson (Deceased). Left to cherish his memory are: Four children and two special children whom he loved as his own: Tyrell (Ty) Baldwin and his spouse, Raphael Baldwin, Khadijah (Dijah) Baldwin, Marcel Baldwin, Travon (Pesil), spouse Candia Nickson and Octavia Goolsby. Ten grandchildren Zion (Z), Kani (His main man) Tyren, Noah, Shane, Kaiden, Camron, Kaiden, Kellie, Kai'Shawn. Three sisters: Marie Baldwin, Mary (Picky) Baldwin; he was predeceased by his sister, Betty Baldwin. Two brothers: Marion Baldwin, Cleveland (Cudgy) Baldwin, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
May his soul rest in everlasting Peace.
A funeral service honoring Nathaniel's life will be held Friday, January 13th, 12:00 pm at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 12:00 pm before the service.