Mack Iver Baldwin

Mack Iver Baldwin was born on December 29th, 1950, to his loving parents Henrietta and Oscar Baldwin in the small town of Elizabethtown, North Carolina. He was the second youngest of twelve children; with brothers Walter, Ernest, Elijah, Jill (Oscar), Perry, George; and sisters Ailene, Madie, Maryline, and his baby sister Ann, who he loved dearly. During his formative years Mack began to develop what would become an enduring life principle, his relationship with God, which he maintained throughout his many years. He would later diligently teach all of his sons Psalm 23, which continues to provide them comfort and confidence throughout life’s trials. Mack’s faith and devotion to family were the source of his hard work ethic which was also nurtured at an early age. He appreciated the value of a dollar and saved every penny, often recalling how he saved up for his first bike and how he took on the role of banker for his mother, Henrietta. At the age of 16, Mack left Elizabethtown and moved to Paterson, NJ joining his older brothers Perry and Walter. He graduated from Kennedy High School where he was a stellar student-athlete, whose prowess on the baseball diamond evoked comparisons to Roberto Clemente. He later attended William Paterson Community College. Inspired by the civil rights movement, Mack became an active participant. He would later recall one of his proudest moments was working on the grassroots campaign for President Barack Obama’s first election. He was overjoyed at being able to contribute to the historic election of our country’s first Black President. While working in Paterson, Mack met his first wife Bonnie Ruffin, who he had two sons with, Derick and Michael Baldwin. Early in their marriage, he joined the United States Army and went to Vietnam. It was there the principles of discipline, teamwork, and respect for others were truly honed. He would often speak about how people from all over the country with different backgrounds had to rely on each other to ensure their collective survival. He served two tours in Vietnam admirably and was awarded the Bronze Star. However, the war was hard on him and forced him to be away for long periods of time from his family. As a war hero, he endured experiences those who have never fought could only imagine. Mack continued in his military service until 1988, serving as a drill instructor preparing new recruits for the army life. In 1980 Mack married his second wife Laverne Foster from Teaneck, NJ. They would share two sons, Daryl and Matthew Baldwin. He was very active in their upbringing coaching their biddy basketball and baseball teams in Teaneck. Mack also had two other children, Althea and Zanna through other relationships. Although he missed their formative years, he loved them dearly and got to know them later in life, attempting to make up for lost time when he could. Mack held a variety of jobs over the years including working for General Motors, Bergen County, a limousine company, and eventually started his own flooring business with his older brother Walter. A firm disciplinarian, he instilled a hard work ethic into his sons and the importance of being gainfully employed in order to provide for family. His entrepreneurial spirit lives on in all of his sons who now have their own businesses. In his spare time Mack enjoyed playing chess and dancing. He was loved by many and his generosity was also well known and felt by his loved ones, neighbors, and even strangers who he would give rides to even into his late 60s. He was a kind soul and always willing to help. Mack is survived by his ex-wife Laverne, children Derick Baldwin, Althea Watson, Zana McDowell, Michael Baldwin, Daryl Baldwin, Matthew Baldwin, and sister Anne Baldwin. His legacy also lives on through numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Henrietta Baldwin, father, Oscar Baldwin, brothers, Ernest, Elijah, Jill (Oscar), Walter, George, and Perry, and sisters, Madie, Ailene, and Maryline. Mack passed away peacefully on October 29th in Paterson, NJ, where he had recently moved to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. Mack’s intelligence, contagious laughter, friendliness, generosity, and work ethic will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Mack Iver Baldwin

December 29, 1950 - October 29, 2022