Florence Baldacci Obituary

Baldacci, Florence D. (nee DeMuri) Age 87, of Chicago Heights, passed away Friday, March 23. An accomplished piano accompanist, Mrs. Baldacci was married for 47 years to accordionist Edward Baldacci, who died in 1996. The couple, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Italy, traveled there many times. They also visited cousins in Australia. They raised a son, Arthur, and daughter, Susan, in the Roseland neighborhood, where they forged a lifelong circle of friends that played cards, traveled, and attended cultural events together. Mrs. Baldacci worked with soprano Anne Perillo for 55 years, touching the lives of many aspiring singers, some who went on to perform on Broadway and in major opera companies. The two concertized together in New York, California, and Florida as well as throughout the Chicago area. A 1948 Fenger High School graduate, Mrs. Baldacci traveled across Europe and to Hawaii as the accompanist for choral groups from Evergreen Park High School. In her 70s she climbed a ladder to an organ loft at an ancient church in Italy. Nicknamed "La Regina" by her family, Mrs. Baldacci was a talented seamstress and legendary cook who could hang wallpaper, knit, crochet, and cross-stitch. She was known to generations of relations and children of friends as "Auntie Flo." She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Glenn) Pawlak and son, Arthur (Leslie) Baldacci; grandchildren Michael Pawlak, Dina (Jason) Stack, Natalie and Mia Baldacci; great-grandchildren Lidia and Elijah Pawlak and Hazel Stack. Resting at Panozzo Brothers Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (U.S. Rt. 30, 3 blks E. of Western Ave.), Chicago Heights on Tuesday March 27th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Wednesday 9:15 AM to St. Agnes Church, 1501 Chicago Rd., Chicago Heights. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Florence's name to DePaul University School of Music would be appreciated by her family. For further service information contact 708-481-9230 or panozzobros.com.