Elvin George Baldezari, 92 passed away on May 30, 2023.  Elvin was born on January 20, 1931, and spent his childhood in Minersville and Pottsville, Pennsylvania.  At the age of 15 he left Pennsylvania and moved to Brooklyn, New York, following the many family members who left for big cities during the Great Depression.  He finished his schooling, worked as a machinist, and lived happily in Brooklyn until 2022 when he moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, again, to be near family.  He passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023.

He was a quiet and gentle man with a good sense of humor who was always willing to lend a hand and give advice to anyone who asked.  He loved gardening both outside in his tiny yard and inside on the windowsills of his home.  Many family members received gifts of fig trees and grape vines that he created from the plants in his Brooklyn yard.  He was also an animal lover having cared over the years for many dogs, cats, and birds including his parrot Poncho who was his faithful companion for over 30 years.

For almost a decade Elvin maintained the title of being the oldest member of the Minersville Baldessari clan and has now passed that distinction to others.  He leaves behind cousin Mary Ann Petenbrink who was like a sister to him as well as many other cousins and their children.  Those who knew Elvin, family and neighbors alike, will remember him fondly as a good person who lived a fine and meaningful life.

Elvin did not want a funeral or any kind of service so if you want to celebrate his life, have a bowl of teaberry ice cream in his memory.  But if you can’t find teaberry ice cream, a dish of polenta will do.