Michel Delice

Albert Einstein once said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive”. If that is true, then Michel Delice set an example of generosity that makes the full value of his life a challenge to put into words. He was generous with his time, with his gifts and generous with his love.

Born on June 28,1940, in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, a beautiful seaside town, Michel Delice was the fourth child of Jean Duvigneaud Delice and Julianne Anulus. He grew up in Port-de-Paix with his eight siblings. Michel went to l’Ecole des Frere’s de l’Instruction Chre’tienne de Port-de-Paix and received his high school diploma. He then went on to attend l’Ecole Professionelle des Peres Salesiens de Don Bosco in Port-au-Prince, Haiti where he received his degree in mathematics. He met his wife, Rosaire Aime in Haiti at his alma mater, where he stayed on as a math professor, and had the luck of tutoring her son, Gino. After a courtship that involved him seeking her out in church, they married. Shortly after their marriage, they headed for a brighter future for their blended family in the United States in 1968. As they built their life in Spring Valley, New York, they added to their nuclear family and built a strong unit of friends and community. They also promptly seized the “American Dream” by purchasing their first home on Bethune Blvd where all were welcomed, and many called home – a further testament to his generous spirit. As a hard-working provider he held several positions; many times, they were simultaneous full-time roles. Michel worked as a

Foreman at Glenshaw Glass (Orangeburg, NY) early on and later as a Mental Health Therapy Aide for Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center (Orangeburg, NY). He also held a position at Lederle Laboratories (Pearl River, NY), a pharmaceutical company (later Pfizer) as a chemical agitator.

After many years of working tirelessly in New York, Michel and Rosaire eventually built their dream home in Haiti, and then set- off for retirement in 2005. Their lovely home was a sanctuary where they hosted countless visits from family and friends and embraced the local community. While in Haiti, they were very active in their local church, Ste Therese de L’Enfant Jesus in Lilavois, Haiti. Despite having experienced the devastating earthquake in 2010 and bouts of civil unrest, he resolved to stay in the country he loved so much.

He continually took pleasure in the things that delighted him as a child such as an exciting soccer match, swimming, laughing, and talking. He also enjoyed a good breeze with his shades on, legs crossed and a strong drink in hand. He was quick witted, had a great sense of humor and an undeniable presence that immediately shifted the air in the room.

He was remarkably stoic yet jovial, a person of great complexity that truly embodied the human experience with all its imperfections and flaws. Yet, God’s powerful grace continually flowed throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Rosaire Delice with whom he shares eight children Gino Roseau (deceased), Sciencia Torchon (Edgard), Elza Delice (deceased), Jean Michel Delice (Brizard), Jean Marie V. Sanchez (Gustavo), Douglas Delice, Michele Delice, and Sararuth Delice and his embraced daughters Alexandra Flores and Eammani Martine Persico. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Maude Delcin (Peter), and predeceased by his siblings, Andre Duquesne (Anite), Annette, Albert, Francoise, Duvinston, Leonie, and Henry. Michel was also blessed with the privilege of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Godchildren, nieces, and nephews. Michel was a father to few, but “Papi” to many. He is loved by countless family and friends and will forever remain in our hearts.