Longtime Providence Realtor Francisco J. 'EL Grande' Batista Passes Away at 65

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Francisco J. 'EL Grande' Batista, a 65-year-old realtor from Providence, Rhode Island, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at RI Hospital. Batista was the husband of the late Sylvia Batista and the companion of Jacqueline Perez for 37 years. He was a realtor with International Real Estate for many years and is survived by his six children as well as several siblings.

Why it matters

Batista's passing marks the loss of a longtime member of the Providence real estate community, as well as a beloved family patriarch. His story reflects the immigrant experience and the important role realtors play in helping families find homes.

The details

Batista was born in the Dominican Republic to the late Francisco Antonio Batista Beato and Josefina Mendez. He worked as a realtor with International Real Estate for many years. Batista is survived by his six children - Lessett Batista, Chantel Batista, Thalia Batista, Cisco Batista, Jose A. Perez and Jose F. Batista - as well as his companion Jacqueline Perez, with whom he had been for 37 years. He is also survived by several siblings, including Reynaldo Batista, Adriana Mendez, Francisca Batista, Franklin Batista Fidel Mendez, Marino Mendez, Domenica Santa, and Apolinar Mendez.

• Francisco J. 'EL Grande' Batista passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
• His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
• Visiting hours are scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

What’s next

Batista's funeral will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 8:45 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory in Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael Church in Providence at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.