Frank A. Baldassarre

On Monday morning January 12, 2026 Frank A. Baldassarre passed away peacefully, after a long battle with end stage kidney disease, at the age of 78. Born on April 20, 1947 in Bari, Italy; son of the late Damiano Baldassarre and Josephine (Mastrorilli). Frank spent his early years in Italy before arriving in the US at the age of 7 and settling in Dorchester MA with his eight siblings. At the age of 17 Frank would join the Marines to keep himself out of trouble. Through the Marines he was able to travel the world. He fought in the Vietnam War from 1966-1967 and was awarded a purple heart for his bravery and sacrifice for our country. It was one of his proudest accomplishments in life. Soon after his service he met and married the love of his life Janet Baldassarre. They would settle in Newton MA and raise their family. Frank was the loving father to Dana (Tom) Pallotta and Derek (Jessica) Baldassarre and his grandchildren James & Olivia Pallotta and Brady & Evan Baldassarre. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and numerous friends, who will all miss him dearly.

Frank was an uncomplicated man and had an aura of unexplainable innocence, a love of all people and unwarranted joy. He always chose to be happy, to laugh and smile. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, a stiff Manhattan, good food (often too salty), summers with family in Italy, trips with friends, and watching either sports or the Western channel. In the end nothing was more important to Frank than his family; they were his world, and he cherished every moment spent with his ex-wife, children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by so many that were fortunate to have known and loved him over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood, on Wednesday, January 21st, from 4-7pm. A funeral service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Thursday, January 22nd at 10:00 am. Following the funeral service, interment will be at St. Michaels Cemetery, 500 Canterbury St., Roslindale.