Randall E. Baptiste

AMESBURY, MA: Randall E. “Randy” Baptiste, 65, of Amesbury passed away after a courageous fight from cancer on Friday, November 13, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington with his family by his side. He was born in Butler, Pa., the oldest of eight children, on September 9, 1950, to the late Shirley (McCormick) and the late Aime Baptiste who died this past May. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joni (Cherbinis); and loving sons and daughters-in-law, Sean (Maria) of Atlanta, Ga., and Adam (Melanie) and his granddaughter, Isla Jane of Chicago, Ill.; and also by stepdaughter, Julie Larrivee and stepgrandsons, Dylan and Jackson Mitchell of Amesbury. Siblings are Gary (Peggy) of Butler, Pa., Cheryl (Duane Brundage) of Indianapolis, Ind., Kevin (Susie) of Columbia, Va., Jeff (Tammy) of Allegan, Mich., Brynn (Kathy) of Otsego, Mich., Douglas (Lisa) of Richland, Mich., and Aimee (Mark Malott) of Noblesville, Ind. He is predeceased by his dogs, Sophie and Heidi. Randy was an Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Butler High School in 1968. Randy had a beautiful baritone voice. He sang in various voice competitions, the church choir in Butler, high school choir, as well as various musical theater productions in Butler. He played the role of the adult Patrick in Butler MTG production of Mame. He also sang at several family weddings, notably, his sister, Aimee's wedding. He sang with Sacred Heart Choir and went with them to Rome to sing at Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica, St Francis of Assisi and a concert at St. Ignatius Cathedral. He was a United States Navy Veteran, serving in the submarine service from January 1970 through November 1975. He served on USS Pollack (SSN603) and USS Flying Fish (SSN673) and earned the right to wear the coveted “Dolphins” in May 1975. He worked as a telecommunications engineer for Fairport Communications, Manchester, N.H. He was an avid hiker and climbed many of the 4,000 Footers of New Hampshire. In 1991, he ran the Clarence DeMar Marathon in Keene, N.H., and finished the Boston Marathon in 3572 place on April 20, 1992, with a time of 3:27:35. Randy was an extremely dedicated Pittsburg Steelers Fan. Randy traveled extensively for his job working in Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, London, Poland, Argentina, Japan, Scotland, and Holland to name a few. His favorite vacation spots were Curacao and Alaska. He was past president of the Amesbury Lions Club, and a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a partner in service with Joni, as she served as Massachusetts Lions District 33N Governor in 2014-15. Randy loved his family unconditionally and took great pride in selflessly serving his community. Ten years ago, Randy initiated the Bi-Annual Electronic Recycling Day and never missed helping serve at the beer truck during the Amesbury Days Block Party. He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends and family. Did we say that he was an extremely dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers Fan? Yes, he was. Diagnosed with EHE (Epitheliod Hemangioendothelioma) Cancer in his lungs in June of 2014, Randy fought valiantly and bravely for 19 months to the end. His passionate dedication to help bring awareness and raise funds to support Dr. Brian Rubin in his research to find a cure for this very rare form of cancer was unstoppable. Randy’s lungs were gratefully received by the Cleveland Clinic to further this research. As a registered organ donor, Randy’s cornea will be used to help someone in need continuing his commitment to serve his fellow man. Anytime you asked Randy what he needed, his immediate response would be, “World Peace.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Amesbury Lions Club, Post Office Box 466, Amesbury, MA 01913, or The Cleveland Clinic, Care Of: Dr. Brian Rubin, Mail Code L25, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195. In conjunction with funeral services for his mother-in-law, Mary Cherbinis, who passed away on Thursday, November 12, a wake will be held at E.V. Jutras Funeral Home, 118 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA, on Thursday, November 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. Members of the Lions Club will meet at 3:45 p.m., to pay their respects for both Randy and Mary. A memorial tribute will be held on Friday, November 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by a collation luncheon at 11:30 a.m., at Holy Family Parish Hall off Sparhawk Street.