Bruce H. Baldwin of East Hampton and Naples, Fla., a founding member of the Springs Fire Department, died of a heart attack at home in Naples on Dec. 11. He was 84.
An active member of the department until recently, Mr. Baldwin was a past fire district commissioner and spearheaded the department's scholarship fund. He had been an East Hampton Town police officer and later owned a specialty hardware and locksmith business here.
Mr. Baldwin was born in Greenport on Oct. 30, 1936, to Harold G. Baldwin and the former Gertrude T. Grocke. He grew up in Mattituck, graduating from Mattituck High School in 1954. While working for the H.G. Baldwin Trucking Company after graduation, he served in the Coast Guard Reserve.
In 1962 Mr. Baldwin married Sandra Appelt, who goes by Sandie, and they settled in East Hampton. She survives him. In retirement, the couple traveled the United States and Canada in their motor home. They spent their winters in Naples among friends at the Imperial Wilderness condominium community.
"He will be remembered for his quiet compassion and the way he was always willing to lend a helping hand," his family wrote. "His sly jokes and funny faces will always be cherished by everyone that shared in them."
A brother, Edward Baldwin, died before him. In addition to his wife, Mr. Baldwin leaves three children, Leah Baldwin Fitzgerald and Lynn Baldwin, both of East Hampton, and Cheri Baldwin Wilson, who lives in New Hampshire. He also had "a soft spot," his family said, for his grandchildren, Kailey Gingras, Lauren Fitzgerald, Drew Wilson, and Ian Wilson, and his great-grandchild, Tessa Gingras.
A memorial service for Mr. Baldwin will be held in the spring. His family has suggested donations to the Springs Fire Department Scholarship Fund, 179 Fort Pond Boulevard, East Hampton 11937.
