Richard James Baldwin

Richard J. Baldwin was born at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY on August 28, 1941 to Willis and Eleanor (Graham) Baldwin. He attended Eastport High School, then enlisted in the Marines. His motto being “once a Marine Always a Marine”.

He married his first wife, Barbara Raymond in July of 1963 and they had four children. On May 4, 1979 he married Kathleen Norris and gained two more children.

Rich had multiple jobs including Police Chief and AEMT. He was also a volunteer Firefighter for 25 years. Most of his career he was a Civil Engineer, working on the Kennedy International Airport rebuilding project. Shortly after retiring he and Kathy moved to Bluffton in 2005. They were the owners of Stooges Café, where he greeted all the patrons with his wit and charm.

He loved all things Western, Marine related, pets and children. Especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the NY Jets and NY Mets and cowboy and military movies.

His hobby was woodworking in his garage. As he worked he would chat with all the passersby and their pets. Always having a cold drink ready for them.

When it became difficult to walk he traveled the neighborhood on his scooter.

He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus for 15 years and a well respected member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church where he was active in many activities of the parish.

Rich is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Norris); sons, Michael Baldwin (Keiko) of California; Ryan Baldwin of Bluffton, Raymond Baldwin of Nebraska and Thomas Epke (Wendy) of Connecticut; daughters, Michelle Berry (Cory) of Montana and Michelle Epke-Bueso of Bluffton; thirteen grandchildren, Jeffrey and Justin Hosa, Michael Baldwin II, Hana and Mina Baldwin, James Baldwin, Eva and Ryan Baldwin, Joseph Epke, Jason and Christian Epke-Bueso and Madison and Kadence Epke; eight great grandchildren, Evelyn, Elias, Malachi and Ezekiel Hosa, Karleigh Baldwin, Annabelle, Amelia and Adele Baldwin; brother, Joseph Baldwin (Barbara); and sisters, Marie Corbin (James) and Genevieve Shaw (Al).

Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Friday, June 5, 2020 at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Francis Center, P. O. Box 682, St. Helena Island, SC  29920

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