Richard L. Baldwin

Richard L Baldwin, 90, Bradenton FL, passed away October 29, 2021.

He was born June 9, 1931 to a second generation member of Baldwin Plastering in Lake Forest, IL. He was an active resident there until the late 1990’s when he and his wife Carol (Secrest) retired to Bradenton FL. He was a plasterer by trade picking up a “hawk and trowel” the day after graduating high school.

He participated in bowling and bocce ball leagues, and enjoyed lifelong friendships with the “baker’s dozen” Saturday morning golf group. He was very proud of his ability to take his family on 2 long camping trips to see the sights of the United States from Coast to Coast along with Mexico and Canada. He later enjoyed traveling with Carol to places like Panama Canal, Alaska, Greece, Italy and England, all on a plasterer’s salary. His last big trip at age 77 was to Ireland with son Kevin where they played some of the world’s greatest courses.

As the couple transitioned to Bradenton, Carol introduced a homemade pretzel mix they brought to parties and events. Richard joined another golf group and enjoyed retired life. When Carol passed in 2008, Richard continued to bring pretzels everywhere, which led to a nick name as “Pretzel Dick”.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Carol.

His surviving family includes 4 sons, Kevin (Karen) Baldwin of Tampa, Randy (Allison) Baldwin of Lake Villa IL, Robert (Diane) Baldwin of Lindenhurst IL, Russell Baldwin of Lake Forest IL, four grandchildren: Charlie, Andrew, Jaime, and Will, two great grandchildren: Juli, Dylan and Cole. The family would also like to acknowledge his later friendship with Sharon Richards.

Memorial service will be in Lake Forest.