CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Donald Baptiste

Donald Baptiste unexpectedly left us on October 12, 2024. He was 63 years old. He is survived by his mother, Marion Mills; two sisters, Vicky (Steve) DeSantis and Suzanne (Joseph) Santa Maria and 5 nieces and nephews, Brian Green, Roger Green, Daniel Reese, Jacqueline Reese and Steven Reese, along with many friends and family who are deeply saddened of his passing. He was pre-deceased by his father, Donald Louis Baptiste. Don was a quiet, kind and peaceful man who enjoyed visits with friends and family and he will truly be missed. He was raised in Barrington where he attended Haddon Heights High School and was a lifelong South Jersey resident. As a teenager he enjoyed playing sports, especially football and baseball where he was a pitcher, he loved dirt-bike riding and hanging at Uncle Jack’s and the “fort”. He began his career as a successful drywall contractor establishing a reputation as a hard-working, honest businessman that provided him with a good living enjoying nice homes, fast cars, motorcycles and more. Much of his time away from work was spent hanging with John, Steve, Chris, Brian, and Roland, which he considered his “brothers”, and many other close family, friends and companions. Don was an avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of all the Philadelphia professional sports teams, the Eagles first among them. Don loved having dogs and taking care of them. His current dog, Honey, went everywhere with him. They had a special bond and played fetch for hours. Honey will surely miss him. Later in life, Don became disabled and relied on friends, family and healthcare professionals to help him manage life’s challenges.

Don’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the health-care professionals at Healthcare Commons for their care and commitment for Don over the past few years. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Asbury United Methodist Church, Disciples Food Pantry and Volunteers of America for their care and generosity.

Come celebrate 63 great years Saturday October 19, 12:30 t0 1:30 p.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro where there will be a 1:30 p.m. service. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following charity organizations who helped Don would be greatly appreciated: Disciples Food Pantry, 149 S Main St., Woodstown, NJ 08098 (via check/mail – no online donation option available) or Volunteers of America Ragan Homeless Shelter, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (voadv.org).