Richard “Dick” F. Baptist, 78, of Apopka, Florida, passed away on June 4, 2022, surrounded by family.
Dick was born to Francis and Louise Baptist on July 4, 1943, in Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated from Newington High School. He then entered the United States Navy in 1961 in which he served 4 years, including as an engineer on the USS Richard E. Kraus destroyer, during the Vietnam War.
He married his high school sweetheart and former wife, Barbara Rapacki on April 22, 1967. A year later, they moved to Miami, Florida and Dick worked in the wine and spirits industry for many years. They welcomed their son, Robert in 1973 and daughter, Sherry in 1975. Eventually the family moved to Longwood, Florida.
Dick is known for the love he had for his family. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family as well as golfing, hunting and fishing.
Dick is survived by sister Patricia Zimonis (Joseph) of Palm Beach Gardens; his son, Robert Baptist (Megan) and daughter Sherry Bare (Matt); grandchildren, Haley Bare, Richard F. Baptist II, Lillian Baptist, William Baptist and Emma Bare.
Dick wishes to spend eternity among the seas, and will be honored with a Burial at Sea by the United States Navy.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Carol Goodrich says
God is closest to the broken hearted.
May he look over his loved ones.
Rest in peace.
Sherry Bare says
I miss you so much dad.. Happy fathers day!
Michelle Andrews says
My sincere condolences to the family! Dick was my neighbor for a few years. He was always smiling!! I was really sad to hear about him passing. I hadn’t seen him for about a year because I had moved but I thought about him often. He loved to talk about the military because my son was in the Marines. He was very proud of our country! We will miss you Dick!! ❤️
Robert Veillette says
Uncle Dick, I am sorry to learn of your passing, you will be missed. I tried contacting you a couple of times and even called aunt Barbara to get your number, but was not ever able to connect with you. To the rest of the family I am truly sorry for our loss and wish you all the best wishes.