Obituaries

OBIT: Daniel Gerado Baldi, 87, Grew Up in Town, Taught for Many Years

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Daniel G. Baldi

Daniel Gerado Baldi, 87, passed peacefully after a period of declining health on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. A devoted husband, Dan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marcia, in November 2020. He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren: Mark and Liz Baldi of West Boylston, MA, Linda Baldi of Brockton, MA, and Jill and Mark Freeman of Bridgewater, MA; his grandchildren, Rachael (Baldi) Rodrigues and her husband Stephen, Benjamin Baldi, Amanda Baldi, Ethan Freeman, and Kate Freeman. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Covell of Florida, brother in-law Tom Sinclair of New Hampshire, and several nieces and nephews. Born on January 11, 1938, in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Giacomo and Elvira (Panteri) Baldi, formerly of Villa a Roggio and Pescia, Italy, the fifth of six children Carlo (Charlie), Anna, Baldo, Mario, and Bonnie, Daniel was the proud son of Italian American immigrants, welcoming friends and family to join at mealtimes with a hearty “Tutti Mangia.” Dan grew up in Newton and Watertown, MA, where he developed an early love of science and nature which led to a career as a junior and high school teacher for 32 years in Holbrook, MA.

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighters Save Dog from Fire on Adams Street

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A fire that began in the kitchen of a multi-family home on Adams Street was extinguished by the Watertown Fire Department on Wednesday. The Fire Department responded to a call at 5:31 p.m. on March 5 after resident reported smoke alarms sounding and smoke coming from the upper floors. “The fire, which originated in a third-floor apartment kitchen, was quickly brought under control by responding crews,” said Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. When they arrived, crews forced entry into the apartment and found a fire in the kitchen area, Nicholson said. Firefighters from Engine 1 advanced a hose line to extinguish the flames while other teams ventilated the structure and checked for further fire spread.

Around Town

East End Open for Business During Road Construction, City Has Map of Parking Alternatives

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A map of alternative places to park during construction on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. (City of Watertown)

The roadway through one of Watertown’s major business centers is being reconstructed, but the City reminds residents and customers that Coolidge Square is “Open for Business.” The stretch of Mt. Auburn Street in front of businesses like Artemis Yoga, Olespana, Dunkin’, and 7-Eleven is being torn up, theses businesses remain open.

Around Town

Watertown Man Looking to Turn His Book Into a Movie

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“My Life, My Victory,” by Watertown’s Shant Cimenian (Courtesy Photo)

Watertown’s Shant Cimenian shared his tale of living with an “invisible disease” in his book “My Life, My Victory,” with hopes that it would show others with similar conditions would not feel alone. Now, he plans to turn the book into a film, or even two films.

Cimenian was born with Familial Mediterranean fever, or FMF, a disease that is found in people whose descendants are from that region, according to the National Institutes of Health. When an attack occurs, it can cause fever, and pains in the abdomen, lungs, and joints. When Cimenian has an episode, he said it can be two to three days of constant pain. He was just 9 months old when he had his first episode related to FMF.

Around Town

City Manager Will Give City Update at Watertown Business Coalition Event

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City Manager George Proakis will be providing a City Update at an event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m.

George will provide the most up-to-date information about the City’s priorities for the year to come. There will also be time to network with people from local businesses, non-profits, and more. The event is free and open to WBC members, Watertown residents, and those who work and do business in Watertown.This event will not be live streamed. The Hampton Suites & Inn is located at 25 Bond Street, Watertown (Arsenal Yards). RSVP Here

Government

Get a Look at the Inner Workings of City Government at the New Watertown Civics Academy

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Watertown residents can get an in depth look into how the City’s government works, and even get a chance to see how they would deal with some real-world situations during a new program offered by the City. The City of Watertown recently announced the first Watertown Civics Academy, and residents can apply now through March 21. “Civics Academy is a 6-week program, meeting on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. from May 8 to June 12, 2025. Each session will cover a different theme and topic within Watertown’s government, from the City Council, to our Public Works Department, to the way the City approaches Climate resiliency, and much more – all directly from the Watertown City Staff!,” the City’s announcement said. The idea for the Civics Academy came from Watertown City Manager George Proakis, according to Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist, who is helping to plan the sessions.