Manuel Baptista

Manuel C. Baptista 97 of New Bedford passed away Monday October 27, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the son of the late Mariano J. and Angelina (Couto) Baptista. He was born in Vila Franca, St. Michael, Azores and had lived in New Bedford since 1924. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Mr. Baptista was formerly employed by the City of New Bedford as a custodian until his retirement in 1992. Manuel was a past Commander of the AMVETS Post 62, he was a charter member of AFSCME, he was also a lecturer, Eucharistic Minister and a CCD teacher, a member of the Holy Name Society, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, chairman of the Catholic Charites Appeal in 1970 and was awarded the Marion Medal in 1969 for his parish. Mr. Baptista was a U.S. Army veteran serving in WW II and obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Survivors include his nieces Cindy Cordeiro and Ann Marie Baptista; his great-nieces Amanda Cordeiro and Jessica Cordeiro; his great-nephew Ryan Cordeiro; 4 great -great nephews, a great- great niece and his sister-in-law Mary Baptista. He was the brother of the late Irene Baptista and Mariano “Mudd” Baptista. He was also the uncle of the late Karen Huffines. His funeral mass will be said Friday 9am at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Visiting hours will be Thursday 6 - 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.