Howard Baptista, 76, of New Bedford died Thursday, September 13, 2007 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Margarit "Margo" (von Steiger) Baptista.
Born on Nantucket, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life. He was the son of the late George and Abigail (Merkman) Baptista.
Mr. Baptista attended New Bedford High School where he was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and baseball. He began his undergraduate studies at Brandeis University upon earning a football scholarship. He was called to military service during the Korean War and served in the United States Army in Europe. Upon returning from the service, he completed his undergraduate studies at Bryant University, earning a business degree in Marketing.
Mr. Baptista began his professional career in the clothing retail industry at B. Altman & Company in New York City. He then worked for the New York Housing Authority while earning a Master's Degree in Urban Planning from New York University. Mr. Baptista then went to work for the New York City School Department as a planner.
Mr. Baptista returned to New Bedford to become the Executive Director of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority where he served for several years. His interest in providing affordable housing for the elderly and family households led him into a career in real estate development. Over the ensuing years he developed very successful affordable housing developments in Rhode Island. Mr. Baptista then returned to public service at MassHousing prior to his retirement. Upon retirement he continued to work with non-profit organizations that develop and acquire affordable housing developments in New Bedford and Rhode Island. Mr. Baptista passed this legacy of commitment to affordable housing for those in need to his family. During his career and into retirement, Mr. Baptista served with numerous civic and private organizations in the City of New Bedford. He was inducted into the New Bedford High School Football Hall of Fame and remained an avid and knowledgeable sports fan throughout his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margo; three children, Kevin Baptista of South Dartmouth, Stephan Baptista and his wife Maureen of Mattapoisett, and Kim Baptista of New York, NY; a grandson, Luke VanKell of New York, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was the father of the late Mark Baptista of New Bedford, and the brother of the late George Baptista of New Bedford, the late Robert Baptista of New Bedford, and the late Lee Baptista of Texas. He also leaves behind his former wife Natalie Baptista of New York, NY.
His Memorial Service will be held on Friday September 21, 2007 at 11 AM in the Grace Episcopal Church, 422 County St., New Bedford. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford. Arrangements will be made by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.