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Theodore D. Baldwin
Theodore D. “Ted” Baldwin of Vermont, formerly of Southampton, died in Vermont on Sunday, March 13, surrounded by his family. He was 48.
Mr. Baldwin was born on January 27, 1963, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the son of Essene DeCozen and David M. Baldwin Sr. He grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey, and Southampton. He graduated from Southampton High School and magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Curry College in Massachusetts. He worked in Boston and then Manhattan, where he worked with his father, “Pop,” for several years at the Helmsley-Noyes Company commercial realty before moving to Vermont. In 2001, he moved to Stockbridge, Vermont, where he was self-employed as a securities trader, a job for which he had a gift and a great passion.
Mr. Baldwin was a very accomplished pilot, earning his license at 18. He loved flying up and down the East Coast in his Grumman Tiger, with his brother Dave as his wingman. He was also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed master captain. One of his greatest passions was sailing his 50’ sailboat “Mistral” off the coast of New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island with his wife, and running into his brother Billy while out on the water.
Mr. Baldwin bought a mountaintop in Stockbridge where he took great pride in building his home with his own two hands. He made many happy memories hiking around the property, creating trails, watching the animals and birds, planting flowers and having bonfires “up top.”
He enjoyed working with his hands and never did anything half-way. He became a master at whatever task he undertook by reading, researching, and experimenting until he got it right. He enjoyed fabricating metal and mechanical parts in his shop, woodworking, working the land around the property and gardening. His mechanical abilities were extraordinary and he rebuilt numerous airplanes, motorcycles and cars, survivors said.
He was very close to his father and cherished the memories of lantern walks he took with him on the beach as a child. He and his father enjoyed special moments playing golf, and at annual cookouts at the “Big Sand Bank” and “The Ocean” in North Sea.
Mr. Baldwin will be remembered first and foremost for his generous spirit, heart of gold and great sense of humor. He had the rare quality to be able to talk to anyone and leave them with a smile on their face. His happiest times were spent with his wife and brothers, whether it was sitting around the table trading childhood memories or spending a summer night sitting around a big bonfire on top of his mountain; the time spent with family brought him the utmost joy and contentment. Mr. Baldwin’s greatest gifts were his huge heart and his love of family. He always took wonderful care of all those he loved. His absence leaves an enormous hole in the lives and hearts of his family and all those who loved him, family said.
Mr. Baldwin is survived by his wife, Lois Vandenburg Baldwin; three brothers, Alfred D. Baldwin of Southampton, William S. Baldwin of Sag Harbor, and David M. Baldwin Jr. and wife Diana of New Jersey; his father, David M. Baldwin Sr. and his wife Barbara, of New Jersey; his mother Essene DeCozen Baldwin of Southampton; his aunt Charlotte (Sow) DeCozen of Rye; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Mr. Baldwin’s life will be held later this spring.
on Apr 6, 2011