Richard "Digger" P. Baldyga

Agawam – Richard “Digger” P. Baldyga sadly passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022 in Baystate Medical Center with his caring family by his side. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Lucille (Charpetier) and Edward Baldyga. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned from the military, Rich worked for The Armory, General Electric, Rexnord and then Milton Bradley where he retired in 2001. He had many interests. He loved reading, Doo-Wop music, he was an avid sports fan of the Red Sox and Patriots, and he loved his country. He and his wife were members of the New England Doo-Wop Society. Rich was a Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Brigham Lodge in Ludlow and the Shriner Drum Corp. He was an original member of the Marksman Drum Corp. He was a man with many gifts, he was outgoing, always willing to help others, was a gourmet chef, a true friend and mature man. He loved many and was loved by many.
Rich married the girl next door, Suzanne (Drapeau) and they were together for over 41 years. Besides his devoted wife, he is survived by his mother-in-law Rita Drapeau, his brother James Baldyga (Peggy), his daughters JoAnn and Marie, his sisters-in-law Diane Levesque (Bob) and Helen Solomon (Ed), his sweet little girl Kara, his other little girl Hera, many special nieces and nephews and many loved friends.
Services to honor and pay tribute to Rich will begin with visiting hours on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 4:00-6:00pm, with a service of remembrance at 6:00pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation on 985 Main Street in Agawam. The funeral will be on Wednesday, May 4th beginning 9am at the funeral home, followed by a procession to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery for committal prayers and military honors. Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Shriners Children’s on 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104. To share a message to the family or for additional information please visit www.forastiere.com.