Richard “Bear” Leo Baldus, of Model Park. Rd, passed away Monday, May 30, 2016 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.
He was born August 7, 1941 in Austin, MN, the son of the late Russell and Sylvia (LaVallie) Baldus.
He married Bonnie Lee (Anthony) April 27, 1963 in Blackfoot, Idaho.
Bear served 22 years in the United States Navy retiring as Chief. After his retirement, he and his wife ran RIBON Gulf in Groton for 15 years and Bears Package Store in Ledyard for 15 years.
Bear was a communicant of Our Lady Lourdes Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a past member of the Parish Council and Property Management. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve, the Ledyard Fair, Inc and a member of the National Assoc. for Uniformed Services. He was also an Eagle Scout.
Bear was very creative and loved to make things with his hands. He was an avid gardener and cook, and loved all things to do with nature.
In addition to his loving wife Bonnie, he is survived by his daughter Christine Carenza, son Brian Baldus, brothers Hector, Lester and Mike Baldus, sister Darlene Hueser, and grandchildren Matthew, Tony and Christopher Carenza and Brandi, Brice and Braeden Baldus.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday evening, June 5, 2016 at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St. Mystic from 3 pm to 6 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 11 am. Burial will be private for the family.
Memorial donations in Bear’s memory may be made to the Ledyard Regional VNA, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard CT 06339 or to the Spiritual Renewal Services, 112 Bath St. Norwich CT 06360.
To leave a message of condolence for Bear’s family, please click the link below.