Edward P. Baptista

Edward P. Baptista, 77, of Fall River, passed away on February 25, 2025. He was the husband of Maria E. (Ferreira) Baptista, with whom he shared almost 51 years of marriage. Born in Vila de Porto, Santa Maria, Azores, he was a Portuguese Air Force Veteran of the Angolan Civil War, where he served as an aircraft mechanic.

Edward was employed as a machine operator at Pioneer Finishing.

He was a vibrant member of the Ateneu Luso-Americano Club and the  Sociedade Cultural Acoriana Club, where he loved playing cards on Friday nights were he also fostered friendships and shared in the joys of his cultural heritage.

He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, who brightened his days and filled his heart with love. 

A lifelong fan of the Benfica soccer team, Edward’s passion for the sport was rivaled only by his love for watching his grandchildren play at their local soccer team matches. He would love to dance with his wife, teaching her many dance moves throughout their life together.  He was a talented car mechanic, often doing his own work on his treasured Mercedes.

Along with his devoted wife Maria, he leaves his mother, Maria Ana (Pacheco) Baptista, daughter  Andrea Marie Soares,  son Keith E. Baptista (wife Shana), son-in-law Christopher Soares, four cherished grandchildren, Devin Soares, Chloe Soares, Emily Baptista, and Luca Baptista, his siblings, Joseph Baptista (wife Cynthia), Jorge Baptista (wife Maryann), and Connie Baptista, and many nieces and a nephew.

Edward was preceded in death by his father Manuel C. Baptista.

Edward's visitation will be held Sunday, March 2, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at the Auclair Funeral home, 690 South Main St. 

His funeral will be held Monday, March 3, at 9:00 A.M. from the funeral home, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Santo Christo Church, 220 Columbia St. Fall River. Burial at Notre Dame Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.