Joel E. Baldwin, 70, of Stony Creek died peacefully at home on April 13, 2013, surrounded by family and friends.

Joel was born in Boston, MA, on March 8, 1943. Starting in the mailroom at Look magazine when he was in high school, Joel discovered photography when he delivered mail to people who worked in the darkroom.  He then went on to study photography at Rochester Institute of Technology. When he graduated, he was re-hired by Look, where he traveled internationally as a photojournalist, covering human-interest stories. His subject matter ranged from the war in Biafra, to celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Liza Minnelli, and many others. In 1972, he left Look magazine to become a freelance photographer and did work for such publications as Town & Country Magazine, Esquire, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, and clients such as General Motors, IBM, Pfizer, and American Airlines. Twenty-six photographs of his 1972 trip to Afghanistan hang in the embassy in Washington, DC.

Seven years ago Joel and his wife Hannah turned their home into a successful bed & breakfast, the Linden Point House, and he also started a second career as a real estate agent with Prudential of Branford.

With all of Joel’s accomplishments, what mattered most to him was his family and friends. What people loved most about Joel was his generosity of spirit, his unconditional love, and his unique ability to listen. Everyone he touched was inspired by his example of how to live and even how to die. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of so many.

Joel is survived by his wife Hannah, his sons Michael and Daniel, who both live in Stony Creek, his sister Ellen Bond of California, his mother-in-law Pearl of New York, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held in September. Details to be announced at a later date.