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Arthur “Artie” Baldacci - 73

Chicago, Illinois

Artie Baldacci, Founding member and Drummer of the legendary Chicago band Heartsfield, died unexpectedly Monday. He was 73.

A graduate of Mendel High School, he attended Thornton Community College and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He played many percussion instruments as well as piano and guitar. 

He was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan. He grew up watching the Lions play the Chicago Bears every Thanksgiving and was captivated by the “Honolulu blue” of the Lions’ uniforms. 

The son of classical musicians, the late Florence nee De Muri and Edward “Eddie” Baldacci, he was born and raised in Roseland. His first job was at Zordan’s Music House in that neighborhood. As a young man he lived in Marin County, Ca., for several years as Heartsfield formed. The band later moved to Southwest Michigan, where his next-door neighbor Leslie Gernand became his wife of 41 years. They have two daughters, Natalie Baldacci and Mia (Kalen) Berglind. He recently welcomed his first grandchild Mae Olive Berglind.

He made four albums with Heartsfield in the 1970s on the Mercury and Columbia labels. The band toured the United States for eight years, performing with many of the top artists of the day, including the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Marshall Tucker Band and Atlanta Rhythm Section. In the ‘80s, he joined the John Hunter Band on two albums for Columbia and Private Eye records. That group performed their Top 40 hit “Tragedy” on American Bandstand in 1985.

He managed Midwest Percussion drum shops in Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge and Mokena from 1989 to 2016. In recent years he worked as a driver for DeRe Tire and Auto in the south suburbs.

In addition to his wife, daughters and granddaughter; Artie is survived by his sister, Susan (late Glenn) Pawlak; nieces Dina (Jason) Stack and Anna (Josh) Ford, and nephews Michael Pawlak, George (Theresa) Gernand, and Sam (Gabby) Mezzadra; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Memorial Visitation at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Sunday October 6, 2024 from 2:00 pm until time of Memorial Service 5:00 pm. Interment private. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.  

11 Comments

  • Larry Zordan

    on 10/02/24

    Art was the voice in my wilderness. He worked in our family business and he was larger than life to me. He was a musician's musician, skilled on various instruments but a master of percussion. I watched him grow up as a musician through the Liquid Heart days to the Heartsfield days when that band kicked butt. Their sound, their vocals and the stage show were things not to be missed. His passing leaves a large hole in my world and is another testament that only the good die young. He will be missed by many but especially by the Zordan family as his family and ours were closely interwoven. Drive the drum beat in heaven my brother as only you can. I will see you on the other side. Peace be the journey.............

    Larry Zordan

  • Pietro Lorenzini

    4 weeks, 1 day ago

    Buon viaggio caro Artie , e arrivederla . A good man , who will be greatly missed. 

  • John Hartney

    4 weeks, 1 day ago

    Artie, always with great timing and a solid backbone. As a kid on the other side of the counter at Zordans, to watching Art and Fred practicing MURDER IN MY HEART FOR THE JUDGE in Judy's basement, to video recording Heartsfield's 25th. year reunion, Artie has always held a dear place in my heart.

    The arc of his life is a beautiful thing. May the good, joyous, spirit he's brought into this world hold true for all who know and love him.

     

     

     

  • Rick & Susan Coder

    4 weeks, 1 day ago

    Dear Mia and family-

    Our hearts are with you as you all walk this new journey together.  Though we are far away, know that we are near with our thoughts and prayers.  Love you dear-

  • Don Meder

    4 weeks ago

    Artie was a great guy and my memories of him as kids are all good ones. He, his sister Sue, as well as I and my brothers all went to the same grammar school (Gompers) together. My older brother Dave and Artie were ‘buds’ and Sue and I were friends right through high school. I also was a musician and bought my guitars and amps from Zordan’s Music. I joined a band in high school and when I’d see Artie at Zordan's, we would talk ‘band stuff’. When I was looking for an item or music, he was always very helpful and kind. My memories of him are of a kind, gentle individual (just like his sister). Wonderful man. Wonderful family.

    Condolences to the family and rest in peace Artie.

  • Frank Zito

    4 weeks ago

    Artie was one of the nicest people you could meet , and a real gentleman. I had the privilege of working with him for a short time. Sorry to hear of his passing. Frank Zito 

  • Rich White

    3 weeks, 6 days ago

    I had the privilege of knowing Artie during some of the most formative years of his life, when he played for the Wild Cats band and worked at Zordan Music House. Like Artie, I was also in the music field as a drummer at the time, playing with bands such as House of Black, Fifth Union, and Wet Paint. I visited him once at the California studio while he was working on a Heartsfield album, and his passion for music was truly inspiring. Every time we reconnected at Midwest Percussion, his warmth and generosity reminded me of why we all fell in love with music. Artie wasn’t just a gifted musician—he was a evolved soul who inspired everyone around him. I will always be grateful for the times we shared. My deepest condolences to his family. His memory will live on through the music he created and the lives he touched.

  • Ron dubin

    3 weeks, 5 days ago

    To the family of Artie and on behalf of the Mendel alumni association.(and a drummer myself), please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. 

    May the family be blessed during this time of sorrow and loss!!

    regards

    Ron Dubin

    Mendel alumni membership chairman. 
     

  • Don Broadway

    1 week ago

    I was a drummer in the Mendel band for 4 years. Joe Tribbia was the number one drummer in my freshman year. John Pananzzo in my 2nd year. Art was the number one drummer in my 3rd year. All of them were excellent drummers. But Art was something special. Extremely talented. So sad he has passed but will always remember the times I spent with him and the Mendel Band.

    Don Broadway

     

     

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