Myron Baldwin

Myron L. Baldwin Jr. age 97, passed away June 22, 2017. He was born on March 4th, 1920 to Myron L. Baldwin Sr. and Marion Griswold Baldwin. He was raised in and spent most life in the Griswoldville section of Wethersfield, next to the farm of his Uncle Tom Griswold. As a boy, he had a chance to caddy at the nearby Wethersfield Country Club but soon decided that he enjoyed farm work more, so along with his best friends, Irv Hart and Bill Herold went to work at the farm of Arthur and Harry Griswold weeding onions and bringing in loads of hay from the meadows at 15 cents per hour! Dad remembered living an idyllic life as a boy, playing in the hay lofts, swimming in Shepard’s Pond, skating and fishing for suckers at Risley’s Pond, taking the trolley to Hartford to the movies, running over next door for some candy at Harry Wells’ house and of course, playing baseball which he fell in love with at an early age. The mothers of Griswoldville helped make the team members their uniforms and with the gentle guidance of Coach Al Knapp the famous Griswoldville Union Chiefs were born! Myron continued to play baseball at Wethersfield high School, for the Wethersfield ACs, and for UCONN, where he also played soccer. At one point in his school years he was told that he wasn’t really college material and that he should try something else, but perhaps that was the incentive that he needed because he not only got into college but in his senior year received the Scholarship, Athletics & Citizenship Award. Myron graduated in 1942 just in time to enlist in the service and spent the next four years in the Coast Guard, first as a chief petty officer training new recruits, then as an ensign in the Pacific on a tank and a freighter. He was released exactly four years from the day he enlisted, probably looking forward to a little r & r, but one week later found himself in the offices of Morley, Watson & Baldwin where he had a successful career as a ‘field man” and insurance executive. His company was sold to USF&G in 1975 and he finished his career there. His late wife, Billie (Shanley) Baldwin, was the love of his life. Their marriage was a partnership and together they marched forward for 55 years helping each other every step of the way. They raised 5 children, enjoyed family vacations at the Cape, growing and preserving the food they grew in their large garden and supporting each other in various volunteer organizations such as the Winding Brook 4-H Club, Hartford County 4-H Camp, Hartford County 4-H Fair, First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, the Griswoldville Chapel, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. Myron was a respected member of his community and as such frequently was asked to lead various committees and organizations and he rarely said no! Myron was a kind and gentle father, leading his children by example. And despite being busy, he was a great playmate. His children have wonderful memories of Cape Cod, ski trips, and fun times with the Johnson and Shanley cousins in Harwinton. Their minds are of full of fond memories! In 2004 he lost his beloved Billie. This was a tragic loss for the whole family but especially Myron. But he was not one to give up! Not long after losing Billie he met Jeannine Steucek which was truly a blessing. Together they had many happy times, traveling, golfing and watching sports on TV. Jeannine has become a beloved member of the Baldwin family. Myron’s health and memory began to decline at a certain point, and eventually the family brought in caregivers to assist him. The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to the team of dedicated caregivers who helped Myron during the last 7 years of his life: Cindy Burns, Theresa Healy, Diane Michaud, Michelle Burns, Irca Brancaleone, and Gina Scelza. Thank you for sharing your gift of love.

Myron leaves his son, Myron and wife, Madeline, and children Donna and partner Matthew Botelho, Dianna, and Michael; son, Thomas and wife, Ofelia, and children Thomas and Rosalie; daughter, Deborah and partner, Bruce Olson; son, James and children, Daniel and David; daughter, Elizabeth Brzezicki and husband, Peter, and children Peter and Julia; his brother Howard and wife, Gayle; brother Merritt and wife Beverly; his brother in law John Church; many nephews and nieces, and his best friend for the past 12 years, Jeannine Steucek. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy. Myron was a kind, cheerful, and generous man, and a loving and devoted father and husband. He will be remembered by all who knew him. A funeral will be held on Thursday June, 29 at 10:00 A.M. at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, 250 Main St. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 28th between 5 and 7 P.M. at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield Ct. In lieu of flowers please send donation to the UCONN Foundation c/o Beulah Shanley Baldwin Scholarship Fund 2390 Alumni Dr. Unit 3206 Storrs, CT 06269-3206 or to a charity of your choice. For online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.