Nick Baldino was a man of many distinctions. Born at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on October 26, 1924, his parents moved to Elberon the following year and joined the Takanassee Beach Club, which allowed Nick to enjoy living his entire life at the Jersey Shore.

At APHS, Nick excelled in academics as well as in his chosen sport of baseball. During World War II, Nick served his country in the Pacific theater as a member of the 13th Army Air Corps and was awarded three liberation ribbons and two medals. He engendered the highest respect from his college alma mater, Fordham University, by being named the inaugural recipient of the Mara Family Award and honored with the William D. Walsh Award. These awards are given to members of the Fordham family for their dedication and contributions to the football program. He was inducted into Fordham University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. Nick advanced in his professional career to Senior Vice President of Corporate Trust at Chemical Bank of New York. He was corporate secretary for 30 years and a six-year president of the National Securities Transfer Association. He spent a dozen years as the bank liaison to the SEC and was a longstanding member of the New York Stock Exchange Arbitrators. He served on university boards at Fordham and St. John’s College.

Nick’s academic and professional accomplishments pale when compared with his personal triumphs. He wanted to be remembered by the imprint he made on beloved family and friends; his faith in God and humankind; his loyalty to Asbury Park High School and the Jersey Shore; his attraction to and knowledge of sports, especially his favorite football teams, the New York Giants, Fordham Rams, and Penn State Nittany Lions. As an avid sports enthusiast, Nick attended major sporting events including several Olympic Games, 51 NCAA Basketball Final Fours, and 35 Super Bowls, and counted may legendary sports stars as his friends. He epitomized the sentiments of friend Vince Lombardi who once said, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”

For Nick, it was the meaning and emotion he derived from everyday relationships that fulfilled his life. Above all, he treasured the 65-year marriage to his beloved wife, Jeanne Audrey Bonk Baldino (APHS ‘43). He also adored his sister, Lois Baldino Donovan (APHS ’45), and cherished his children, Tom (APHS ’65), Mark (APHS ’67), Diane, Patrice, John, and Nicole, 12 grandchildren, and great granddaughter. Second only to family were Nick’s abiding friendships, several of which began at Oakhurst Grammar School. Nick derived such pleasure from family, friends, and his love of sports that, as he faced his final year, he remarked, “I often wonder if everyone had as much fun as I did.” He is sorely missed by those who knew him, and the joy of his presence will always remain in our hearts through the many poignant and wonderful memories of shared experiences.