Michael Baldasare

Michael Baldasare, beloved husband of Anita (Garofalo) Baldasare, passed away peacefully at Hancock Hall on Thursday, October 6, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born in Danbury on December 28, 1915 son of the late Carmela (Mazza) and Pasquale Baldasare. He graduated from Danbury High School and furthered his education at Bridgeport University.

Mike was Vice-President and Chief Engineer of Capitol Machine and Switch Company, where he designed and manufactured machines that applied various types of finish using a spray-bake method on metal and plastic parts for such products as Electro Lux Canister Vacuum Cleaners, cosmetic cases and Titleist Neon Golf Balls. He obtained many patents for push-button switches which he designed and manufactured for government projects which included early warning systems, NASA Space Program and the first seven ballistic missile atomic submarines and special switches for the FAA. His switches also spanned a wide range of projects for, but not limited, to IBM, ATT, Initial USPS Zip Code Sorting System, Televising Program System, and Otis Elevator.

Mike was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and was involved in many Charity and Community Organizations which included: Masonic Fraternal Union Lodge #40, Stellar Chapter #55 Eastern Star, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Pyramid Temple, Milford, CT, Director Staff Life Member of Pyramid Temple and was Charter Member and Treasurer of the Candlewood Shrine Club. Through the Shriners he was very dedicated to helping children with various orthopedic conditions. He was well-known for, and proud to host along with his wife Anita, an annual chicken fry at his home as a fund raiser for the Shriners Hospital for Children. For over 40 years his hospitality and recipe garnered thousands of dollars for this worthy cause.

In the community he served as President of the Danbury Cemetery Association, was a member of the Scott-Fanton Museum, and sponsored both a Danbury Industrial League Softball Team and Little League Team for the Capitol Machine & Switch Company.

He was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and served over 25 years as Warden and presently was Warden Emeritus. In 1977 he presented Ann S. Coburn for ordination who was the first woman to be admitted into the Episcopal priesthood in Connecticut.

Mike enjoyed his family especially when everyone gathered for Sunday dinners and special occasions. He and his wife traveled the world for business and pleasure and when he retired he treated his family to an Alaskan Cruise. He also enjoyed playing the piano, reading, caring for his yard, fishing, the Yankees and the NY Giants. His generous and kind nature, his sense of humor and strong work ethic, his creative ability, and unconditional love are qualities for which he will be long remembered.

Mike will be dearly missed by his wife of 71 years Anita. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands Anita and Len Staib of Danbury and Carol and Jim Stirling of Castle Rock, CO. Five grandchildren, Michael Staib (Stephanie), Scott Staib (Annett) Lori Hauschild (Paul) of Danbury and Kimberly Winder (Keven) of Castle Rock, CO and James Stirling II of Denver, CO and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Genevieve (Dolly) Talarico and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sisters, Theresa Waterman, Rose Heaton, Marjorie Spano and brother Elbert Baldasare.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. James W. Finnerty and Dr. Robert M. Jarrett and everyone at Hancock Hall for their exceptional care given to Mike.

Calling hours – Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, CT Monday 5pm-8pm. Service, Tuesday, St. James Episcopal Church at 11am. Interment will follow at Wooster Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or St. James Episcopal Church, Book of Living, 25 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810. To light a candle of remembrance and sign a guestbook please visit www.thegreenfuneralhome.com.