Joseph Renaud Gelin Pierre-Louis

Joseph Renaud Gelin Pierre-Louis, affectionately known as “Poppy,” “Grandpa,” “Ton Ton Renaud,” “Poppy Renaud,” and “Citoyen” to his children, grandchildren, and many others, was born in Marchand-Dessalines, Haiti, on July 18, 1939, the son of Supplice Gelin and Véronique Limage. He entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 surrounded by family and
friends.

After completing high school, Joseph received an accounting degree from Ecole de Commerce Julien Craan, one of the premier business schools in Haiti to this day. He then worked as an accountant at the international airport in Port-au- Prince, the nation’s capital. Joseph came to the United Sates in 1970 in search of the American dream and settled in New York City. It was here in the United States that Joseph reunited with and married his love, Claire Anne-Marie, who he was with for over 48 years until his passing. In 1988, Joseph and Claire purchased their
first home and moved their family from Brooklyn, NY to Irvington, NJ. Joseph and Claire later moved to Mount Laurel, NJ in 2018.

Joseph was an extremely hard worker and proudly purchased his own New York City taxi cab medallion, number 7F34, and drove his cab for over 28 years. He worked tirelessly, sometimes driving 12-15 hours at a time to support his family and ensure that his children obtained a good education and had every possible opportunity in life.

Joseph possessed a deep love for history and politics. He had a remarkable, almost photographic memory and could recount the intricate details of historical events and dates at any given moment. He was a man of principle and always offered sound advice to his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching futbol and was a longtime fan of the Argentina national futbol team. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and large extended family.

Joseph was also a generous soul and was always willing to send what at times was his last dollar to his extended family in Haiti for the betterment of their lives. Joseph was also a great dancer. At family events and parties, everyone was often left in awe watching Joseph and Claire seemingly dance on air to Haitian Kompa.

We will miss his wonderful and loving spirit. He is resting in heavenly peace with the Lord, where he joins his mother, father, and nine brothers and sisters.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Claire; his children Irving Saget (wife Enide); Renaud Pierre-Louis; Véronique Desir (husband Randy); Fabiana Pierre-Louis Reeves (husband Rob); grandchildren Kenya Marie Saget, Renaud Pierre-Louis, Jr., Alyssa Claire Saget, Robert Joseph Reeves, Marc Alexandre Reeves, and Gabrielle Solange Desir; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We will always carry his memory in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Renaud Gelin Pierre-Louis, please visit our floral store.