Jesse Baptiste Ferro Had Extended Vineyard Family

Jesse James Baptiste Ferro died Jan. 14 in Falmouth. Jesse was born in New Bedford on July 15, 1971 to Kathleen Baptiste Maki of Vineyard Haven and Arthur Ferro of New Bedford.

Jesse came home to the Vineyard when he was two months old. He attended the Tisbury School and the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, where he played football.

He had his own kick boxing academy in New Bedford. He was a certified personal trainer and also worked with his dad landscaping on the Island. He loved the Red Sox, Celtics and the Patriots. Jesse was a certified minister.

"He will be missed. We loved him so much!" the family said in a statement. "He was a great son, brother, uncle, and friend. Jesse's smile."

Survivors include his parents; five brothers, Arthur Ferro Jr., Bruce Ferro, James Ferro, Todd Ferro, and Gussie John Bapiste Maki; four sisters, Julie Ferro, Kasi Ferro, Kerri Ferro, and Kimberly Allen; one brother in law, Joe Botelho; seven nieces, Kathleen, Kali Jo, Vivien Leigh, Kylee, Tianna, Kelsey, and Kassidi; two nephews, Allen and Russell; a stepson, Jered Gaskins; his stepmother, Norma Ferro; his stepfather, David McIsaac; two aunts, Bonnie Bassette and Diane Amaral; three great-aunts, Dorothy Ferro, Thersa Baptiste, and Barbara Lewis; one uncle, David Amaral; and several cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, George P. Baptiste Jr., Ruth C. Pond Baptiste, Helen Ferro and Jesse Ferro; and one uncle, George P. Baptiste 3rd.

A visitation was held on Jan. 19 in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.

A graveside service followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury, with Dr. Mark Guilford, pastor, officiating.

Donations may be made to Martha's Vineyard Bible Church, P.O. Box 8, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.