Joseph Baldini Sr., age 84, of 721 Minnesota Avenue, Gladstone, passed away following a lengthy illness, Sunday January 8, 2006, at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.

Joseph was born, September 4, 1921, in Princeton, MI, the son of Louis and Genevieve (Brighenti) Baldini. He was raised in Palmer, MI until he entered high school, at which time, Joseph and his family moved to Negaunee where he attended and graduated from the St. Paul Catholic High School. On July 31, 1943, Joseph married the former Frances Couvia at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee. The couple remained in Negaunee where they made their home and raised their children. In 1944, Joseph was drafted into the United States Navy serving abroad during the WWII era. Joseph returned to Negaunee in 1946 where he and Frances resided for a total of 25 years eventually moving to the Gladstone area in 1990. Throughout his life, Joseph worked for the state of Michigan Liquor Commission as a special investigator, retiring in the mid 1980's after 38 years of employment. Joseph belonged to the Negaunee VFW, the Negaunee Knights of Columbus, the Wanowin Golf Club, the Gladstone Golf Club and enjoyed playing cards once a week.

Survivors include: Joseph’s wife Frances Baldini

1 Son: Joseph Baldini Jr. of Gladstone, MI

1 Daughter: Sandra (Larry) Tranberg of Fort Pierce, FL

1 Sister: Isabell Gambotto of Dearborn, MI

Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Louis and Genevieve, Joseph was preceded in death by:

2 Brothers and 2 Sisters

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00PM to 5:45PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites, honoring Joseph’s service to his country, will follow visitation, at 5:45PM, by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. Funeral services celebrating the life of Joseph Baldini Sr. will follow military rites at 6:00PM with Barbara Flannery officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, in Marquette. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Committal will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Baldini family with arrangements.