Obituary for Wallace Frederick Baldyga Jr.
Wallace Frederick Baldyga, Jr. of West Suffield, CT passed away peacefully at home Saturday, April 1, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.
“Wally” was born on December 14, 1941, one week after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. He was the son of Wallace Baldyga, Sr. and Mary (Sidor) Baldyga, both of West Suffield. On the way to the hospital, their car became trapped in a blizzard in East Granby. A lifelong auto enthusiast, Wally was actually born in a car.
At 18, Wally joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Korea. A lifetime supporter of the military, Wally remained an active member and officer of the Suffield Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9544 until his passing.
In 1962, Wally met a lovely young teacher, Mary Gay, and they wed in 1967. The pair went on to have two children, Amy (of Westford, VT) and Cheryl (of Rapid City, SD). Wally and Mary restored his childhood home, a historic 1760’s farm and have enjoyed the country life there since.
Applying his knowledge and expertise of heavy equipment gained in the Army, Wally opened Suffield Septic Service in 1976. He ran the successful business as a self-employed contractor.
Wally’s passion for cars was never-ending, but his favorite by far was an Italian mid-engine speed machine: the DeTomaso Pantera. Wally had dozens of them over the years, and was so enamored that he founded DeTomaso Performance. This endeavor specialized in Pantera restoration and gained him international recognition. The master craftsman’s pinnacle achievement was designing and building a Pantera race car, dubbed “The Ferrari Killer,” which reached a top speed well over 200 mph.
Wally is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary (Gay) Baldyga; his daughters Amy Baldyga (ZK White) and Cheryl Baldyga; sisters Helen Kope (Walter) and Maryanna Broman; brother Stanley Baldyga; many nieces and nephews; and his granddaughter Evelyn Raye Clontz. Wally was predeceased by his mother and father, his sisters Laura and Susan, and his brothers Paul, Michael (Chipper), and Robert (Bobby).
All funeral services are private, with Military Honors in MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Suffield VFW Post 9544, PO Box 366, West Suffield, CT, 06093. Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com.
“Wally” was born on December 14, 1941, one week after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. He was the son of Wallace Baldyga, Sr. and Mary (Sidor) Baldyga, both of West Suffield. On the way to the hospital, their car became trapped in a blizzard in East Granby. A lifelong auto enthusiast, Wally was actually born in a car.
At 18, Wally joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Korea. A lifetime supporter of the military, Wally remained an active member and officer of the Suffield Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9544 until his passing.
In 1962, Wally met a lovely young teacher, Mary Gay, and they wed in 1967. The pair went on to have two children, Amy (of Westford, VT) and Cheryl (of Rapid City, SD). Wally and Mary restored his childhood home, a historic 1760’s farm and have enjoyed the country life there since.
Applying his knowledge and expertise of heavy equipment gained in the Army, Wally opened Suffield Septic Service in 1976. He ran the successful business as a self-employed contractor.
Wally’s passion for cars was never-ending, but his favorite by far was an Italian mid-engine speed machine: the DeTomaso Pantera. Wally had dozens of them over the years, and was so enamored that he founded DeTomaso Performance. This endeavor specialized in Pantera restoration and gained him international recognition. The master craftsman’s pinnacle achievement was designing and building a Pantera race car, dubbed “The Ferrari Killer,” which reached a top speed well over 200 mph.
Wally is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary (Gay) Baldyga; his daughters Amy Baldyga (ZK White) and Cheryl Baldyga; sisters Helen Kope (Walter) and Maryanna Broman; brother Stanley Baldyga; many nieces and nephews; and his granddaughter Evelyn Raye Clontz. Wally was predeceased by his mother and father, his sisters Laura and Susan, and his brothers Paul, Michael (Chipper), and Robert (Bobby).
All funeral services are private, with Military Honors in MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Suffield VFW Post 9544, PO Box 366, West Suffield, CT, 06093. Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com.