Ben "Bolet" Martinez Baltazar

Bolet “Bienvenido” Baltazar, born in 1944 in Tondo Manila, Philippines, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Joy Dodds Baltazar, his loving son Bernard Baltazar and daughter-in-law Maggie Baltazar, his beloved daughter Suzanne Naruko and son-in-law Michael Naruko, his cherished son Benjamin Baltazar and daughter-in-law Carolyn Baltazar, and his pride and joy, his granddaughters Isabella Naruko, Madison Naruko, and Taylor Baltazar. Bolet immigrated to the United States in 1971 and worked tirelessly to bring his family over from the Philippines that same year. He dedicated over 30 years of his life to Taylor Dunn Manufacturing, starting as a mechanical and design engineer and eventually becoming the Director of Engineering. His innovative designs and leadership led to the creation of several specialty electric vehicle projects. After retiring in 2006, Bolet continued to pursue his passion for engineering as a consultant for US Electric Car, where he played a crucial role in the development and production of the first commercial electric cars, traveling back and forth to Mexico. Bolet was a devoted family man who lived a simple life. In 2008, he and his wife Mary moved in with their daughter Suzanne, her husband Michael, and his two young granddaughters who were age 5 and 7 at the time, providing love and support when Suzanne was diagnosed with breast cancer. He and Mary continued to live with their daughter Suzanne and her family for the next 16 years caring for their granddaughters daily helping to nurture and guide them as they grew into remarkable young women. Bolet’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, humility, character and the importance of family. His passing will be felt deeply by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed but his powerful love and legacy will live on