Obituary of Joseph Baldrate

Joseph O. Baldrate, a retired Senior Project Technician with MIT Lincoln Labs, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2011. He was 87 years old. Joseph was born in Ludlow, MA the son of Italian immigrants, the late Oscar and Judith Baldrate. He grew up in Ludlow and was a graduate of Ludlow High School. He went to Airman Tech School in Springfield and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps March of 1943. His military training included Glider Assault tactics, sharpshooting, and radio operations. He was a member of the 878th Airborne Battalion, which fought in the Rhineland. He was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Member, and WW II Victory. After the war, Joseph returned home and worked as a lineman, stringing phone lines throughout western MA and into Vermont. He earned a degree from MA Radio and Television. He went to work for MIT Lincoln Labs at Hanscom Air Force Base. Joe’s insight into electronics gave him the opportunity to work on some noteworthy projects in the Space Race, missile systems, and defense projects. He traveled all over the world working on special projects and spent 4 years in Hawaii, with his family, working at Hickam Air Force Base. He frequently flew in converted KC-135 lovingly name Liki Tiki. He loved the challenges of his work, and at the time of his retirement he held the position of Senior Project Technician. Joe had an inquisitive mind and was an all-around handyman who could repair anything around his home. He enjoyed music and built the componants for his own Hi-Fi system in the early 1960s. He had his own work shop in the basement, where he repaired televisions and electronic devices for family, friends and neighbors. He was a HAM Radio operator for over 50 years and made many friends and contacts the world over. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, staying at Elder Hostiles, studying and experiencing history, and learning about different cultures. He also enjoyed vacationing in Vermont. Joe had a strong faith and was totally devoted to his family. He attended daily Mass at Saint Margaret’s Church. He had a special bond with Marilyn, his wife of 63 years . He was a loving, caring and understanding father to his sons, and he held a special place in his heart for his daughter, Nancy, who had special needs. His love and concern for his wife, children, and grandchildren was unending. He leaves his family with wonderful memories that will last forever. Joe was the beloved husband of Marilyn (McGuinness). He was the loving father of Stephen & his wife Pamela of Billerica, Karl & his wife Olga of Shirley and the late Nancy. He was the brother of the late Rene Baldrate, Lilyan Dunne & Rena Witowski. He was the proud grandfather of Jessica, Stephen Joseph & Emily Baldrate and the beaming great grandfather of Madison Baldrate-Rivard. He was the father-in-law of Janice Baldrate of Boxborough. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Joe’s name may be to St. Margaret’s Building Fund, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803.