Haverhill Police are among those mourning the loss of 32-year-old Methuen native Ryan A. Baldera, the restaurant general manager who died last Thursday while trying to protect employees and patrons from a toxic cleaning chemical spill.
Baldera, of Lawrence, is the brother of Haverhill Patrolman Cory Baldera. He died after being overcome by two cleaning chemicals that spilled and mixed at Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington. Thirteen others, including restaurant employees and patrons, were also reportedly hospitalized.
“Ryan was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and cherished uncle, nephew, and son-in-law, to his close-knit family and friends,” a family statement read. “While devastated at this unimaginable loss, we are so very proud that Ryan died while trying to protect his fellow employees and restaurant patrons.”
As of Monday night, a GoFundMe page had raised nearly $92,000 to assist Baldera’s wife, Jessica and three-month-old son.
Haverhill Officer Cory Baldera receives the Haverhill Police Department Employee Excellence Award. (Courtesy photograph.)
Haverhill Patrolman Baldera was recently awarded the Haverhill Police Department’s Employee Excellence Award for the July through September quarter for his role in arresting a known gang member Sept. 12 on multiple motor vehicle and narcotics charges.
Ryan Baldera graduated from Methuen High School in 2006. According to his obituary, “He loved his sports teams, Red Sox and Patriots, playing golf, fantasy football, his collection of watches, music, anything from country to Post Malone to duets of Suit and Tie with his sister, his crew aka “the guys,” a good cigar, a good cocktail and cooking. Nothing, however, stood before the unwavering love and commitment he had for his wife and newborn son. Although his time with us was cut tragically short his impact will last for generations.
Visiting hours are Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 4-8 p.m., at the Goundrey and Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, N.H. A funeral mass takes place Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, 196 Main St., North Andover. Guests are asked to please meet directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ryan Baldera Memorial Fund at GoFundMe.