Theodore Austin Baldwin

Theodore “Ted” Baldwin, 87, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Rose Court at Linden Ponds in Hingham on Friday, March 1, after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Norwell, Ted lived on Central Street for 80 years of his life, until moving to Linden Ponds in 2011. He attended Norwell Public Schools and Weymouth Trade School. After enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1951, he served with the 20th AAA Gun Battalion in the Korean War. Before leaving for Korea, he met Matilda Ann Turner on a blind date and married her on his return in 1954.  

After working as a carpenter for PH&C in Milton, he joined the Norwell Police Force in 1956. Chief Kenneth Bradeen hired Ted as Badge #1 and the first (and only) patrolman in the town. He graduated from the Massachusetts Police Academy in 1957. Serving as Safety & Juvenile Officer and School Attendance Officer, Ted believed there was “no such thing as a bad kid.” He served the Town of Norwell for 32 years before retiring in 1988, along with Badge #1. He joined the Massachusetts Safety Officers’ League in 1968 and is a past president. He is also past president of the South Shore Safety Officers’ Association.

Ted loved Norwell and telling stories of growing up and living in town. He was Citizen of the Year in 1988, and served on the Cemetery Committee for many years. He was ever present to his kids and grandkids – whenever and wherever the family gathered, Ted was there.

Ted is survived and loved by his wife of 64 years Tilda; his three daughters, Betsy Baldwin Brink and her husband John of Scituate, MA, Carla Baldwin McRae and her husband David of Raynham, MA, and Tracey Baldwin Shea and her husband Bob of Burlington, NC. Ted adored his five grandchildren Amy, Maggie, Matthew, RJ, and Andrew, and his two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Nora.

A funeral will be held at UCC Norwell at 460 Main Street, of which Ted & Tilda are founding members, on Saturday, March 9 at 11:00am, followed by burial at Washington Park Cemetery and a reception back at UCC Norwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwell Police Gift Fund, 300A Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061.

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