Hipolito Baez Obituary (1945

HIPOLITO "POLO" BAEZ OBITUARY Hipolito Baez of Springfield, MA passed away on January 16, 2023 at the age of 77. After several years of declining health, he died peacefully with his loved ones by his side. Hipolito was born in Comerio, Puerto Rico on July 29, 1945, to father Felipe Baez and mother Concepcion Baez. The youngest of his brothers, Hipolito did not have the opportunity for much of a formal education. Instead, his education was set aside to help his family with farming and in the tobacco fields, as well as working odd jobs. He took pride in being part of the family's support system. His work ethic and desire to be a key contributor in taking care of his family continued to be a big part of who he was throughout his life. Before retiring, Hipolito worked at National Metal Industries as a machinist, where he never missed a day of work and always took pride in all that he did. One look at his hands and you instantly knew they represented a hard-working man who worked tirelessly to support his family. Family meant everything to him. If you were to ask others what one word best described, Hipolito, without a doubt, most would say kind. Hipolito displayed so much kindness to others; not just to his family and friends, but also to strangers. He would give, even when he really didn't have anything to give. He would share what he had even if it meant taking from himself. He was proud to pass on that kindness trait to the people in his life who meant the world to him and whom he loved with all of his heart: his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his world and always came first. With kindness and love, he dedicated himself to being the best father and grandfather he knew how. He wasn't perfect by any means, but then again who is? However, through all of his struggles and life's challenges, he taught his children to always strive to be better, to be perfectly imperfect versions of themselves and that regardless of any situation you find yourself in, lead with kindness, for kindness will always lead you in the right direction. His heart may have stopped, but his love will forever live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Let's not forget his second love: gardening. He found so much joy in planting flowers and plants, nurturing them and watching them grow and flourish. With the same kindness and love he had for his family, he took care of his plants and flowers. If they began to wilt, he would never give up on them and nurture them back to life with his unforgettable trait of love and kindness. Hipolito is predeceased by his parents Felipe Baez and Concepcion Baez, by his first wife Celia Baez, by his sisters Jesusa, Sofia, Modesta, Julia and Esther, and his brothers Pedro and Benigno. He is survived by his beloved children and their spouses: Hipolito Baez, Jr., Nancy Baez, Sandra Baez, Marie Housey and son-in-law Pat Housey and Luie Baez and daughter-in-law Sheila Baez. He leaves behind his beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his world: Jennifer Enriquez, Joniel Lopez, Yarliz Samot, Jonathan Housey, Nelson Walton, Jr., Ryan Walton, Owen Baez, Miles Baez, Lyniah Guzman, Kaylani, Guzman, Elena Lopez and Marie-Ann Housey. He is also survived by his former wife, Maria Letourneau and his sister Felicita Rivera. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Death will not erase all of the love he had in his heart for his family or the kindness he shared with others, for he instilled this same love and kindness in his children, and through them, his legacy will forever live on. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die..." Rather, it is a life-long gift and a symbol of unconditional love. The life he lived will forever symbolize kindness and love and fond memories for those whose lives he touched, from someone who made our lives a little better. Hipolito will forever live on in our hearts and will always be remembered... Services will be held on Saturday, January 28th to celebrate the life of Hipolito. Calling hours will be at Puerta Del Cielo(r) Funeral Home, located at 730 State Street in Springfield, MA, from 4 pm until 6 pm. Registry for Hipolito Baez