From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Morrison Baptiste, 91, Barefoot Bay
February 24, 1935 – April 3, 2026
Robert Morrison Baptiste, 91 of Barefoot Bay died, Friday, April 3 with his family by his side.
He was born to the late Edward and Hazel (Williams) Baptiste on February 24, 1935 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Bob served 20 years in the Navy as a Seabee, a Chief Recruiting Officer, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, in 1974. His tours included Cuba, Barbados, New Foundland and 2 tours in Vietnam. Bob worked as a contractor, car salesman including his own business Bob’s Aluminum Screen and Enclosures.
He married Anastasia (Neena) Codd on July 29, 1977 in Vero Beach, FL. They raised their family there, later moving to Tennessee , Alabama and Florida. While in Tennessee he built a beautiful log home in the country. They returned to Barefoot Bay in 2008 to continue enjoying retirement with family and friends.
Bob was best known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He loved entertaining in their garage Tiki Bar (Bob’s Eastside Bar), enjoyed golfing and having a smitcher or two at the 19th Hole and answering the call when Neenah shook her glass of ice. Late into his 80’s Bob continued to walk 2 miles a day, stopping periodically to do push-ups. On Bob’s 90th birthday, he went skydiving with friends.
He is survived by, his loving wife of 49 years Anastasia, 6 children, Robert Baptiste, Donna Baptiste, Michelle Rasser, Kim Hockenberry, Elizabeth Brewington and Brian Strnad; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Hazel, sister Hazel, brothers, Edward, Warren and Roger.
There will be a Celebration of Life, Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 3:00 to 8:00 at the D/E Building in Barefoot Bay. He will be laid to rest in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the VFW of Sebastion FL, 815 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian FL 32958.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Bob’s memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com. He was good man. (Wink; Wink;
After Retirement, he moved to Florida. He enjoyed working outside and had a small landscaping business for years.
He is survived by his son Paul Perrier (Diane) of Garden City, NY; daughter Nadine Jones of Center Moriches, NY; 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and his beloved longtime companion, Nancy Wolaver.
He was a very kind and caring human being and will be missed.
Funeral Arrangements are with Seawinds Funeral Home. Interment will take place at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Sebastian Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com
Bonnie was preceded in death by her son, Ben; her daughter, Tara, her sister, Sandy; and her brother, Adrian Ray Jr. She is survived by her granddaughter, Kyla; her grandson, Nate; two great grandchildren; her brother, Frank (Janet); her sisters, Linda (Alan) and Karen “Kaleina” (Brian), her lifelong best friend, Denise, and many others whose lives she touched in a way few could.
Bonnie was a woman of remarkable strength with a heart of gold. Though her life was marked by many challenges, she always found a sliver of hope to carry her forward. Even in her darkest moments, she brought joy and laughter to those around her, with never a dull moment.
She now rests in peace, reunited in heaven with her beloved son, Ben, who took her heart to heaven with him far too soon.
Our dear Bonnie, you will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com
Services will be posted on Facebook.
Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com
They eventually relocated to Florida in 1985 where they owned and operated their business for 31 years.
They purchased a second home in Hiawassee, Georgia in 2004. In 2015 they moved to Sebastian, Florida.
Survivors include her husband and four children, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.
The family is requesting donations to HALO Donate Now | H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue.
Anyone wishing to send a message or share a story may visit Mary’s memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com
