Arthur W. Baldwin Jr., 86
WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Arthur W. Baldwin Jr., 86, of West Center Road in died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, after being stricken at his home.
Born in West Stockbridge on Aug. 20, 1922, son of Arthur and Edith Allen Lawrence Baldwin, he was a graduate of the former Williams High School in Stockbridge and earned his degree in business from Boston University. He resided at the family farm on West Center Road.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he enlisted on Oct. 6, 1942, and received the Asiatic-Pacific, American theater and Victory medals before being honorably discharged on July 18, 1946.
Mr. Baldwin worked at the family hardware store, A.W. Baldwin & Co. Inc., until last year. His father passed the business on to Mr. Baldwin and his brother, Lawrence Baldwin, who together operated the store for many years. Mr. Baldwin operated the store until 1986, when he sold the business to his son, Henry Baldwin.
An active member of his community, he served on numerous town boards in West Stockbridge and was the treasurer of the West Stockbridge Congregational Church for many years. He and his late wife, the former Jean Ford, traveled extensively throughout the United States and the British Isles. He also enjoyed stamp collecting and studying genealogy. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he cherished spending time with his family.
His wife, wbom he married on June 1, 1947, at 1st Congregational Church in Stockbridge, died March 17, 2005. He missed her greatly.
He leaves four daughters, Marjorie Baldwin of Richmond, Linda Coturri and her husband, Anthony, of Glen Ellen, Calif., Judith Stafford of Great Barrington and Virginia Casey and her husband, William, of West Stockbridge; two sons, Arthur Baldwin III and his wife, Kate, of Richmond and Henry Baldwin and his wife, Lisa, of West Stockbridge; 18 grandchildren, John and Alexander Mullen, Niccolo and Gianina Coturri, Duncan and Meredith Stafford, Matthew, Tobias, Seth, Abiah, Elias and Ella Casey, Nigel and Tessa Baldwin and Corey, Riley, Keegan and Robert Baldwin; eight great-grandchildren, Madison Mullen, Eliza Mullen, Eleana Casey, Ashton, Aidan and Declan Casey, Jeremiah Casey and Jaxon Casey; four expected great-grandchildren and his beloved cat, King, who offered him great companionship and comfort.
He was also predeceased by his two brothers Dana Baldwin and Lawrence Baldwin.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A service celebrating the life of Mr. Baldwin will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 11 at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 15, from 4 until 7 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Berkshire Humane Society or to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of his wife Jean, through funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.