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| The Honorable Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, founder, owner and CEO of DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc., has been active in West Chester and the Chester County community for over 40 years. Serving two terms as the Mayor of West Chester, his community outreach includes religious, civic, business and political arenas. Dr. DeBaptiste holds a membership in St. Paul’s Baptist Church of West Chester and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Mr. DeBaptiste holds lifetime memberships in four branches of the NAACP, he served as president of the Chester County Private Industry Council from 1984- 1997; and is a veteran of the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sgt. Major. In 1984 the West Chester Chamber of Commerce named him Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He has received four gubernatorial appointments, which include: Trustee of the Board of Trustees of West Chester University, where he also served as Board Vice President; the State Board of Funeral Directors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he served thirteen (13) terms as chairman. He holds memberships in all local, county, state and national funeral director associations and serves on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of West Chester. Elected Mayor of West Chester in 1993, Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, FD is no stranger to West Chester. He has been active in West Chester and Chester County for over forty years, enriching West Chester, Chester County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with his many achievements and talents. From his founding of DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, in West Chester in 1954 to his role as Mayor, Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste’s impact on the community-in religious, civic, business, and political realms- is clearly visible. He was awarded the prestigious Founders Award by the Chester County Historical Society, an award that has been previously given to only three individuals. Dr. DeBaptiste’s business has flourished since its founding forty-seven years ago, at one point growing to a total of six funeral homes across the state. He has served in leadership roles in all county, state and national funeral organizations and has served twelve consecutive terms as Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors. As mayor of West Chester, Dr. DeBaptiste has had an immense impact on the community. As Chairman of the Bicentennial Committee, he was influential in the success of a memorable yearlong celebration of West Chester’s 200th birthday in 1999. Dr. DeBaptiste has also been an ardent champion of education. He served as a West Chester University trustee and was a strong promoter of the University’s expansion. He was also an advocate of increasing African-American student enrollment and strongly supported the development of the Higher Education Opportunity Program. From his three years of service in the Korean Conflict to his continual service in countless organizations, Dr. DeBaptiste has been a presence in the community and beyond. The American Legion Post, Chester County Private Industry Council, Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors, Chester County Art Association, St. Paul’s Baptist Church Centennial Committee and other organizations have all asked him to lead them as president, chairman, or commander. He has a hard to beat, three-decade perfect attendance record at Rotary. The NAACP, St. Pauls, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the YMCA have enjoyed his active commitment and membership. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Chester County since 1975. |
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Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010 (610) 525-4336 |
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West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382 (610) 696-4812 |
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