Italo

Baldassarre

Our beloved father and husband, Italo Baldassarre, passed away peacefully at home on November 12th. Born in 1944 in Cesacastina, Italy, he was 82.

He was the eldest son of Raffaele and Elgisa (Toscani) Baldassarre, who brought their family to live in Niagara Falls in August of 1954. He learned English as a student in the city school district, graduated from Niagara Falls High School, and later from Buffalo State College with a degree in education. In 1968, he married Marlene (Rizzo) Baldassarre, who was at his side and had his back unceasingly.

As Italo and Marlene built their family, he fully embraced his role as provider. He was a career educator, teaching elementary school in the Niagara Falls City School District until retiring after thirty years of service. As owner and operator of Black Belt Studio of Karate, he taught martial arts to children and adults in the evenings. Beyond the classroom and karate, many found themselves at the Baldassarre kitchen table seeking his guidance over coffee. His impact on thousands of lives through teaching was deeply felt by his children, all of them discovering their life’s work in education.

Italo always found joy in crosswords, golfing, billiards, chess, and bocce. He loved practicing and honing his skills. He was an enthusiastic Formula One fan, especially the Ferrari team. He carried his interests into retirement where he and Marlene enjoyed their winters in the sunshine in Sebring, Florida. In Niagara Falls, he was a member of the LaSalle Yacht Club. He delighted in his grandchildren and in the very rare occasion where he could beat Marlene at Rummy.

As husband and dad, Italo was our protector, always strong for us, and drew strength from his faith. He built lifetime friendships as the host of the Bread of the Life Prayer Group and as a member of St. Vincent DePaul parish. His faith lent wisdom to all around him. Paraphrasing Exodus 14:14, he was fond of telling us, “Be still. The Lord will fight for you,” and instilled in us the faith that will accompany us in the deep grief of his absence.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is dearly missed by his sons, Italo (Leah) and Michael Baldassarre, and his daughters, Maria (Jeffrey) Hopkins, and Gina (Kevin) Hill. He was the proud Papa to nine grandchildren: Natalie, Genna, John David, Joshua, Grace, Luca, Zara, Elijah, and Ezra; and two great grandchildren: Lena and Charles. His family was a source of unending pride for him. He is also survived by his siblings, Frank Baldassarre, Anita (Tom) Zona, and Bruno (Karen) Baldassarre and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 16 from 11 – 12 Noon at St. Leo’s Church, 2748 Military Road, NY 14304, where Italo’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12 Noon. Interment will follow privately in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.