Joseph "Joe" Baldaia

Joseph “Joe” Baldaia, 73, of Warren, passed away May 2, 2025 in the thoughtful care of the doctors and nurses of Rhode Island Hospital. Beverly (Corey) Hart, his significant other was at his side, as always, when he passed. They shared 23 years of laughter and happiness. Joe succumbed to a brief unexpected illness.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late John and Wilhelmina (Pacheco) Baldaia and brother of the late John "Butchie" Baldaia.

Joe began his thirty-three year career with the city of Newport working in the town hall. He then moved to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which enabled him to work in the outdoors he loved so much. Whether he was moving snow in the middle of winter or cutting grass in the heat of summer, he was most at home outside. One of Joe's favorite (and most embarrassing) memories was when he was driving out on Ocean Drive and got so involved in the beautiful scenery he missed his street and ended up off the road. Years later he laughed at how embarrassed he was having to be towed. Joe retired in 2018. Still loving the outdoors and always wanting to be near the water, he spent some of his free time fishing. He loved his walks with Beverly along the river and looked forward to them every night, even in the rain, wind and snow. He enjoyed gardening and took great pleasure in the tomato and potatoes plants in the backyard garden. Some of which found themselves in one of the many barbecues. Every snowfall would mean a new and enthusiastically made snowman with the grandchildren. When the weather didn't cooperate he enjoyed watching westerns and Gordon Ramsay.

In addition to Beverly he is survived by: two sisters, Shirley Moller, her companion Whitey and their family of Tiverton and Brenda Solan and her family of Newport; sisters-in-law, Gayle Baldaia and her family of Ohio and DJ Slagter and her husband Bruce (Joe’s best friend) of Maryland; his loving step-sons, Chris Vars and his family, Matt Hart, his wife Stacey and their family, Jeremy Hart, his fiancé Amber and their family and Anthony Hart, his fiancé Carrissa and their family. Along with grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a great niece and great nephews.

He is also survived by his extended family, his City of Newport coworkers, and far too many friends to name.

His passing leaves a great sadness in lives of those who knew him, but we are grateful for the memories he has left with us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.