George Baptiste Jr. Was Veteran of World War II

George P. Baptiste Jr., fondly known to many as Snooky and Chicken George the Screen Man, died at his home on Nov. 18.

Snooky was born on Feb. 23, 1927, the son of the late George P. Baptiste Sr. and Mary E. Andrews. He attended the Tisbury School, and it was there that his careers in carpentry and music began. He had a great love and respect for his music teacher, Mr. Fiebach, who taught him to play the trombone. Snooky's high school years ended abruptly. World War II began and he was anxious to serve his country. In 1944 at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and shipped out on the U.S.S. Topeka. He was always so proud to be a World War II veteran.

After the war he returned to the Vineyard, and it was not long before he met his future bride, Carolyn Pond. They were married on Christmas Day in 1948. Snooky's love of music continued. He joined the legion drum and bugle corps. His family was always so proud to see their grandfather, George Sr., their father, Snook, and Uncle Lester marching and playing their bugles to legion conventions.

In his earlier years, Snooky was a caddy at Tashmoo Golf Course. This led to his hobby of golf ball hunting. Many times his car was seen parked on County Road as he searched the edges of the course at the Farm Neck Golf Club. He was very offended by the Secret Service agent who kicked him out when President Clinton played. Oh, how he loved to tell that story. His wife, Carolyn, also was quite perturbed when he washed the found golf balls in the dishwasher. What a racket they made even though he wrapped then in screen wire.

After many years of hard work as a carpenter, Snooky worked in the shop at E.C. Cottles with his lifelong buddy, Francis Rogers, also know as Goose. Always industrious, after retirement he began his own small business called Chicken George the Screen Man.

Snooky had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He had a love for the slapstick comedies of the 1930s and 1940s, which culminated in his own rendition of the Tales of Mrs. McCloud and Private Six-Thirty, recorded by Snooky himself acting all the parts.

Snooky was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Carolyn Baptiste; his brother, Lester Baptiste Sr.; his son George P. Baptiste 3rd, and his grandson, Seth T. Bassett. He is survived by his three daughters, Bonnie Bassett and Kathy Maki of Vineyard Haven and Diane Amaral of Bourne; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

A graveside service was held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven with the Rev. Michael Nagle officiating. Interment with full military honors by the American Legion Post 257 was included. Taps was played by his nephew, Jordan Baptiste, and good friend Edson Rogers. Gussy Maki, his youngest grandson, had the honor of receiving his American flag. Edson played a medley of Snooky's favorite songs on his trumpet, beginning with Snooky's favorite hymn, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and ending with his favorite music, Dixieland. After the service, family and friends gathered to celebrate George's life at the American Legion in Vineyard Haven.

The family of George P. Baptiste Jr. would like to thank Dr. Neider, Hospice of Martha's Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard Community Service's Visiting Nurse Service for all their help and support. They made it possible for him to return to the Island and spend his last days in his own home among family and friends.

Donations may be made in his name to Hospice, the Visiting Nurse Service or the American Legion Hall Post 257.

Snooky, Private Six-Thirty has signed off safely home with Jesus.