Longtime Civic Volunteer Honored

By JEANNIE CARLSON

Article published on Tuesday, May 18, 2010

NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – At the May 13 town hall meeting, the town of North Redington Beach honored Joseph Baldanza posthumously as Citizen of the Year.

Baldanza passed away March 12 at the age of 78.

Born in New York City in 1932, Baldanza was a long-time and beloved resident of North Redington Beach. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Terry, their four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mayor Bill Queen presented the award to Baldanza’s widow and his brother, Jimmy. Terry Baldanza, thanked the town for the award. His brother, Jimmy, said, “I wish he was here to receive it himself.”

Queen eulogized Baldanza as the “ultimate volunteer” with a litany of his contributions to the town. Highlights of Baldanza’s contributions included, serving on the planning and zoning boards, running the audio-visual at town meetings, involvement in the annual Christmas boat parade, hot dog chef at the town’s picnics, chauffeuring the judges for the town’s Christmas decorating contests, and being the “ultimate” Santa for many years at the town’s Christmas tree lighting and Santa Parade events.

 

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