John M. Baptista, 64, of New Bedford died March 23, 2012 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born and raised in Falmouth, the son of the late Manuel Gomes Baptiste and Dominga (Lomba Tavares) Baptiste, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. John loved life and had a good sense of humor.
Survivors include his children, Kerri Shaw of Providence, Gidget Baptista of Chicopee, MA, John M. Baptista, Jr. of Fall River, John McNamara, Scott Baptista and Todd Baptista, all of New Bedford; his former wife, Geraldine (Britto) Shulterbrandt of New Bedford; 3 brothers, Tony Baptista of Ft. Myers, FL, Thomas Baptista and Paul Baptista, both of New Bedford; a sister, Joanne Turgeon of Naples, FL; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Priscilla Gomes and the step-brother of the late Manuel Baptista, Jr., John Baptista, Josephine Cruz and Elizabeth Gomes.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Wednesday, March 28th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 27th from 4-8 PM.