Nicholas Anthony Baldini

Nicholas Anthony Baldini Sr., age 92, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 1, 2017.

Born in New Castle, DE on January 30, 1924, he was the son of the late llario and Marietta (Casalena) Baldini. He was a brother to two sisters, Ann Baldwin and Dora Episcopo, and a brother to the late Angelo Baldini.

Nicholas was inducted into WWII on February 18, 1943, and entered into active service on February 25, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey. He became a United States Army Air Force Corporal. He was in the lOth Air Force Division, Squadron D. His Military Occupational Specialty was Radio Operator/Navigator and Mechanic. He inspected and adjusted radio by voice, air to ground and air to air, kept logs of each mission and made minor repairs and adjustments in flight. Time spent in the war sent him to China, Central Burma and India Burma, which is known as the CBI Theatre. He also navigated his crew men through the well-known dangerous “Hump”. In all, he flew 105 missions during his time in WWII and was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Air Medals, 3 Good Conduct Medals and many more Medals of Honor.

Once he came home from the war in October 1945, he met the love of his life, Letitia D. Baldini, who passed away on February 27, 2015. Together they started a building business and a family. Besides his loving wife, Nicholas loved to build homes, go fishing, help others in need, be with his family and friends and especially he loved dancing with his wife. Once they walked onto the dance floor, all eyes became fixed to their every move. It was sheer beauty in motion!

Nicholas is survived by his three sons, Nicholas JR. (Maria), Elario (Michele), and Leopold Baldini. Grandchildren are: Lora (Ralph), Nicola, Talia, Michele, Nicholas Ill (Pamela), Christopher (Rachel), and Gabriel Baldini, Plus one precious Great-grandaughter Gianna.