Obituary of Roy J. Baldi

Roy Joseph Baldi, age 79, peacefully passed away on his birthday, August 18, 2018, at home surrounded by his loved ones after a long struggle with bladder cancer & chronic kidney disease. He was a lifelong resident of Old Saybrook, the youngest of three sons born to Frank & Diamond (Capitani) Baldi Sr. Roy’s older brothers, Frank & Thomas predeceased him. Roy was born in New London on August 18, 1939, graduated Old Saybrook High School, he was an avid sports enthusiast and as the captain of the soccer team, he led his team to the 1957 State Soccer Championship. During his 3 years in the Armed Forces, Roy enrolled in several helicopter training schools including Sikorski & Huey, ranking top in his classes. With this expertise, he was in demand and went to work for maintenance facilities in both Virginia and Seattle, WA .In his earlier years he apprenticed under his father Frank, a Master Mason, who constructed numerous buildings for Chas Pfizer & Co. in Groton and also the Old Saybrook High School on Boston Post Road. In 1963 he joined the Army Avcrad in Groton, CT as a avionics supervisor. The 1109^th Avcrad is one of only 4 such facilities in the U.S. Army which oversee the maintenance of over 500 military aircraft including fixed wing planes and helicopters including the Blackhawks. Upon retiring in March of 1993, at the age of 55, he had attained the rank of CW-4(Chief Warrant Officer). With free time now available he went on the enjoy fishing on hios boat every chance he had with family and playing golf with friends. Roy is survived by his loving wife Gigi (Newsom) Baldi, his son David of whom he was so proud, 2 grandsons Daniel (18) and Andrew(12), his daughter-in-law Michele, nephews Frank, Paul and Michael Baldi and his special niece Sharon Baldi. Roy wanted to convey special “goodbyes” to his Army buddies “Zeke” Czekala and George Beladino. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 22^nd  at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. Centerbrook from 5-7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Church, 161 Main St. Old Saybrook on Thursday, August 23^rd at 11am Interment with full military honors to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Old Saybrook. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.rwwfh.com  Contributions in Roy’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital , 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.