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BALDONE, JOSEPH CHARLES, DMD, "DR. JOE" Joseph Charles Baldone, DMD, "Dr. Joe", died Thursday, March 22, 2012 in his sleep after enduring a lengthy course of Parkinson's disease at the age of 84. He was the third son born to Francesca Ferlise Baldone and Charles Baldone on November 4, 1927. He was predeceased by his parents, and a brother, James C. Baldone. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Pasqual A. Baldone, his wife of 58 years, Betty Antonio Baldone, his daughters, Lisa Baldone (Sam Lusco) Birmingham, Marcia Baldone Freidenreich (Koby) Hollywood, FL, and a son Dr. Charles John Baldone (Barbie) of Birmingham. His loving grandchildren include Frank Rocco Pulice (Kristin), Ariel Simone Freidenreich, Conrad Matthew Freidenreich, Jessica Reisser, Gabriel Charles Baldone and Alexander Joseph Baldone. Also surviving are a host of nieces and nephews who have all been so supportive during his extended illness. He was well known in Birmingham at an early age. As a young boy, he was the emcee of the Mickey Mouse Club at the Alabama Theatre during the popular Saturday Matinees. His ability as a singer and dancer impressed generations of children during the 1930's. He attended Phillips High School and then served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines at the end of World War II. He returned to study at Birmingham Southern College where he majored in History and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After only three years of college he was accepted to the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, and graduated in 1954 with honors. On February 18, 1954, he married the love of his life Betty Jean Antonio. The happy couple settled in Birmingham. "Dr. Joe" practiced Dentistry for the next 46 years, and in that time he built a practice of patients who loved his easygoing and comforting presence as well as his unmatched technical skill. He had a close personal bond with many of his patients and colleagues that has lasted for many years. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association, cofounder of the Birmingham Dental Study Group, and former editor of the Academy of General Dentistry newsletter. A former president of the Norwood Lions Club, he also was active in many civic organizations. He was a co-founder of the Bachelor's Club which later became the Roma County Club. A dedicated member, he contributed to its expansion and success in the 1960's. Visitation will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel from 5PM - 7PM on Sunday, March 25th with a rosary to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Monday, March 26 with interment at Elmwood Cemetery. A special thank you to Teresa Menefee of Home Instead who has been a most loving caregiver and a special friend of the family for the past four years. A thank you as well to Tyrone Halfacre. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, The Parkinson's Disease Foundation of Alabama or The American Heart Association . >>