Mike Baldino Jr.

Mike Carl Baldino, Jr. was born May 2, 1934. He passed away in his sleep the morning of April 28, 2020 at the age of 85 at the Columbine Manor Care Center. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Charlotte Baldino, his three sons Tony, Terry, Rick, His four grandsons and his three great grandchildren.

He was the first child of Mike and Annie Baldino. He would grow up always looking to be the helping hand for family and friends. He graduated from Salida High School in 1952. At a young age he learned to play the accordion and he would perform many solos at school and even when courting his future wife.

Mike would go to the University of Colorado for one year and then transfer to Western State College (now Western State University) in Gunnison, Colorado. Here he would pursue a teaching degree and meet his wife Charlotte. His first teaching job was as a math and Colorado history teacher in Leadville, Colorado. He earned a master’s degree in school administration from Western State. Not long after that he would become the Junior High and High School principal in Buena Vista. His real desire though was to return to Salida. In 1971, he was hired as the Kesner Jr. High principal in Salida where he took the lead in shaping the lives of hundreds of local students until his retirement in 1989.

In retirement, Mike kept busy. He enjoyed camping and fishing and took time to travel and see the country with his wife. Throughout his life, Mike was always there for others. His first love was his wife, but his family and his friends could always count on Mike to be there for them. He will be missed.

A service with the family is yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give a gift in his memory, please consider the American Diabetes Association or the Columbine Manor Care Center. Mike spent the last year of his life at Columbine with the dedicated nurses, aides, and doctors who work long hours to keep our aging loved ones as comfortable as possible.

Online condolences may be made at www.lewisandglenn.com

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