Donald J Baptiste, Sr. 82 of Chicopee son of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Figueirido) Baptiste died October 9, 2020 peacefully after a long illness. Originally from Chicopee, he graduated from Chicopee High, Class of 1955. Earned a BS from Univ. of Mass, MBA, from Cambridge College. Don held upper management positions with such companies as National Blank Book, Friendly Ice Cream, Casual Corner, Comptroller for Direct Air Corp., vice-president, All Matic Corp. His happiest days in the corporate world were 14 years with the Wm E Wright Company. Don had an intense passion for music. Starting at age 9, playing trumpet. Is love of music centered on Jazz music traveling to Europe with the Somerset Dixieland Orchestra. Upon returning from Europe he was accepted at the US Military Academy Band at West Point. Don, distant traveled with such bands as Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak and worked with such musicians as Gene Krupa, Jack Jones, Peter Duchin, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, Tony Martin and Al Martino who sang for Don and Margaret’s Engagement. Don, recorded Polka records with Happy Louie and played with Gene Wisniewski and Walt Solek bands and was a Polka Hall of Fame candidate. Don was an amazing, great and gifted soloist, and Big Band Leader who read music on the spot and conducted his own 19-piece society Big Band for 14 years. Don’s best time of his life were when he took his wife now of 57 years and their two children on several family trips including, Cape Cod, Park City UT, Reno, NV, Washington DC, Montreal, Disneyland in CA, and many trips to Walt Disney World in Florida. He adored, respected, and married Margaret Mary Piela of Chicopee who he loved to the depths of his soul until the day he died and spent 57 years of marital bliss with her. He leaves two loving children Donald J. Baptiste, Jr with his loving wife Kristine from South Hadley and his wonderful and caring daughter Darlene of Chicopee, three grandchildren Stephen, Madison and Harrison. He leaves his brother Joseph P. Baptiste and wife Judith of Cape Cod. Best/Childhood friend, Robert Garstka of Chicopee. Don was predeceased by three brothers, Renato, Julio, and Arthur along with two sisters, Alda and Lucille. The Baptiste Family would like to thank the staff and administration at the Holyoke Medical Center for going out of their way for helping Don. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11 AM at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in the Assumption Church in Chicopee. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM at Grise Funeral Home 280 Springfield St. Chicopee. Social Distancing and mask are required. Contributions can be made in his name to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital on Carew Street, Springfield, MA and to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN