Ret FF Francis J. Baldino WFD

Francis J. Baldino, 74, a lifelong resident of Worcester and retired Worcester Fire Fighter passed away Thursday, July 4th, 2024, with the family he loved gathered at his bedside after a period of declining health. Franny is welcomed into the arms of family members including his son, Anthony who passed away in 2002 and daughter in law, Courtney who passed in 2017. 

Franny was born in Worcester, the son of Frank and Grace (Carbone) Baldino, he graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, and attended Quinsigamond Community College, served in the Massachusetts Army National guard. Franny then married in 1972, the “Love of his life”, best friend and rock, Marianne Parslow. They then began a 52 year marriage devoted to each other raising their family, with faith, family and devotion through the trials and tribulations of life. On August 4, 1974, Franny was appointed to the City of Worcester Fire Department serving his 32 year career as a member of Group two on Engine, 5, 2, 13 and retiring as the aide to car 4, district chief. When not at the station serving as a fire fighter, Franny was a self-employed painter and wall paperer.

 Franny is survived by his wife, Marianne; a son, David F. Baldino and his companion Susan Klingensmith, a daughter, Melissa A. Rotondo and her husband Brian of Marlborough; a sister, Virginia MacDonald and her husband Gary of Worcester; five grandchildren he adored, Isabella, Julianna, Frank, Nicholas and Michael; Nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. 

 Franny was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Church, the Local 1009, IAFF Union, and the Worcester Fire Relief association. Franny loved entertaining, music, gardening in his yard, cookouts, walking his dogs at the cemetery and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He was an avid huge New York Yankees Fan. In his children’s younger years, Franny coached, served as president and active volunteer of the Ty Cobb Little League, and Southside Babe Ruth Leagues. Notably the baseball diamond at Hadwen Park was named in honor of his son Anthony. Franny was a quiet man with a huge heart, and loving smile who cared more about his family, friends and the citizens of the city more than himself. 

The Baldino family would like to thank everyone, especially his friends, for the care, friendship and compassion they gave to Franny during a difficult time. 

 Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Tuesday, July 9th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Wednesday, July 10th from the funeral home departing in procession at 10:30 am to Our Lady of the Angels Church, Main St. where family friend Rev Charles Monroe will celebrate his funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery, in lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the No Mutts left behind, 30 second street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611.