Dr. Richard D. Baldwin

JERSEY SHORE - Dr. Richard D. Baldwin, prankster, physician, activist and adventurer, a man ahead of his time died peacefully at home with family on February 28, 2017.  Born May 24, 1931 in Montclair, NJ, he was the son of Harry D. Baldwin and Isabella Shortreed. 

He graduated from Rutgers University and from New York Medical College Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital, was in private practice for over twenty years, was board certified in Internal Medicine (1969) and Nuclear Medicine (1980).  He practiced Nuclear Medicine at Williamsport Hospital before holding the position of Chief of Nuclear Medicine at the VA Hospital, Togus, Maine from 1984 until his retirement in 1994. 

While many people inspired him, the women in his life were significant, his mother a Scottish immigrant, his grandmother Isabella MacLeod who encouraged him to attend medical school, his first wife and mother of his four children Barbara Louise Hose, and his wife, partner and best friend of the past thirty-four years Roberta M. Gruver. 

Richard advocated for social progress long before it was fashionable or even acceptable to support civil rights, to oppose war in southeast Asia, or to advocate for the legalization of medical marijuana in Maine.  He was a strong supporter of the environment and of the Arts. 

An avid reader and life long student, Richard also loved the outdoors and travel, passions he passed on to his children. After mountain climbing and rock climbing in his younger years, he suffered a hang gliding accident from which he was told he would never walk again.  Never being a good patient himself, after receiving this news, he walked out of the hospital eventually returning to hiking, bird watching, and skiing.  A licensed pilot, in retirement he continued his pursuit of the joy of flying and even took up sailing along the Maine Coast.  While in Maine, he began writing a novel, which was published after designing and building a house and re-establishing residence on Pine Creek, near Jersey Shore, PA.

Richard is also survived by his children: Susan Secord, Joyce Welzel, Laura Montemagni, and Richard D. Baldwin, Jr., eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. 

He is fondly remembered for a quick wit, self deprecating humor and joyous recounting of practical jokes. As per his wishes, his body will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread along the coast of Maine. 

Memorial donations may be made to Rutgers University Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, or to a charity of your choice. 

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