Albert J. Baltren,

Albert J. Baltren, Jr. Orange – Albert J. Baltren, Jr., 70, of 35 Battle Street, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner.      Al was born in Montague, August 6, 1941, the son of Albert J. and Nellie (Stone) Baltren, Sr.  He has lived in Orange all of his life, graduating from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School in 1959.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, worked at the former Union Twist Drill, completing their apprentice program and working there for many years until his retirement.  Al was an avid sports fan, enjoying all New England sports and Boston College sports.  He enjoyed cooking and was very proud of his Lithuanian culture.      He leaves his two sisters; Anne Baltren of Stamford, CT and Jane Baltren of Orange; his sister-in-law, Mary Blanchard of Hubbardston; two nieces, Katherine Baltren and Anne Baltren of Washington, D.C. and a nephew, Michael Baltren of San Diego, CA.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother Peter.      A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 24, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange with the Rev. Jose Bermudez, pastor, officiating.  A private burial will be held at South Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in Albert’s name to the Joslin Diabetes Center, c/o the High Hopes Fund, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215 or  www.joslin.org.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });