Louis Gesner Rigaud

Louis Gesner Rigaud was born on December 1, 1947, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to his beloved parents, Fernand Rigaud and Catherine Sejour-Rigaud. He passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by the love of his family.

A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate Gesner’s remarkable life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, with Pastor Samuel Jerome and Pastor Jean Richard Desir officiating. A Visitation for family and friends to pay their respects and share memories will take place the same day from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.

Following the service, interment will take place at Pine Ridge Memorial Park, where Gesner will be laid to rest. A luncheon and time of fellowship to continue celebrating his life and legacy will be held at Ben Robertson Community Center at 2:00 PM.

Gesner married his best friend and the love of his life, Margarette M. Rigaud, with whom he shared 38 beautiful years of love, laughter, and partnership. He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and went on to dedicate his life to both music and public service.

A true visionary, Gesner made a lasting mark on the Haitian Music Industry, producing and mentoring numerous bands, while also working passionately to influence and reform Haiti’s political landscape for the betterment of his homeland. Later in life, he devoted 22 years of faithful service to Total Transportation Corp, where he took great pride in ensuring that the children of New York City traveled safely to and from school each day before his well-earned retirement.

Gesner lived life to its fullest. He found joy in the simple and extraordinary alike— soaking in the sun at the beach, waterskiing, swimming, bird hunting, or playing the guitar and piano. He was a fierce competitor at chess, cards, and dominoes, and his laughter often filled the room during friendly games with family and friends. A passionate sports enthusiast, Gesner cheered faithfully for the Haitian National Soccer Team, Brazil, and his beloved New York Giants.

His happiest moments were those spent surrounded by loved ones—especially during visits to Haiti, where he loved relaxing on the beaches or celebrating the vibrant energy of Carnival.

Gesner will forever be remembered for his God-fearing, humor, unwavering love, loyalty, and strength. He was a protector and a man of integrity—disciplined, humble, and a steadfast voice for the voiceless. His legacy of compassion, courage, and character will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gesner is survived by his loving wife Margarette Rigaud and their children: Marvin Rigaud and wife Naomie Rigaud born Cangé, Gesner Rigaud Jr. and fiancée Jordan Fye, Maeva Rigaud, Kerwin Rigaud, Midelyn Rigaud-Delisca and husband Leartjens, and Judmike Rigaud and wife Angeline Rigaud born Pierre—as well as their mother, Carmen Ace Rigaud. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Rosemae Joanne Jose; grandchildren Maddyson Rigaud, Raenah Joseph, Stacey Joseph, Xavier Rigaud, Jasmine Rigaud, Mahalia Rigaud, and Marvin Kian Rigaud; nieces Shirley Rigaud Echols, Judith Rigaud Volcy, Debbie Rigaud Asirifi, Golda Rigaud, and Stephanie Alexandre; and his cousins, the André, Barthelemy, Bonhomme, Jean-Charles, Jean-Baptiste, Jérome, Kédo, Lundi, Mars, Miguel, Rigaud and Sejour families. He is also remembered with love by his brother-in-law Hervé Mars.

He was preceded in death by his beloved older brother, Wooly Rigaud.

Gesner’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Acknowledgments

The family of Gesner Rigaud extends heartfelt thanks for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. Your kindness and presence have brought comfort as we honor his life and memory.

Thought | In loving memory

Ne pleurez pas mon absence car je suis avec Dieu et mes prières vous accompagnent. Je vous aimerai pour l’éternité comme je vous ai aimés sur terre.

Une grande ame ne meurt jamais dans le Coeur et la pensée de ses proches.

Topic: Gesner Rigaud Celebration of Life

Time: Oct 24, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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