Mr. William E. Baptiste, Sr., of Taunton, died unexpectedly Monday, January 5 in Morton Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor (Milka) Baptiste for 62 years. He was born 82 years ago in the Bronx, N.Y., the son of the late Joseph Baptista and Margaret (Wade) Ouillette. He was educated in Taunton and had been a city resident for most of his life. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as a layout man and welder for the E.T. Ryan Iron Works in Raynham for 22 years. He was previously employed by the Raytheon Corp. in North Dighton for 16 years. William was formerly employed at Perry’s Service Station in Taunton, and at Frank’s Auto Body in Taunton. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving as a Machinst's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Vulcan. He was a member and Past President of the Taunton Rifle and Pistol Club, was an N.R.A. Instructor, and was a Life Member of the National Korean War Veterans Association. He enjoyed working on his car, target shooting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he leaves: 2 sons: William E. Baptiste, Jr. and his wife, Sandra of Taunton, and Steven R. Baptiste and his wife, Pamela of Taunton; 2 daughters: Susan A. Cyr and her husband, Matthew of Taunton, and Jacqueline M. MacKenzie and her husband, Donald of Fall River; 1 sister: Janice Laranjo and her husband, Gerald of Taunton; 6 grandchildren: Bryan, Brendan, Christopher, Benjamin, Amanda and Kathryn Baptiste, and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, on Friday, January 9 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow in Mayflower Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M