Yves Théodore

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Yves Théodore on February 14, 2025. Born in Léogâne, Haiti, to Roger Théodore and Yvonne Rebecca on March 7, 1969, Yves was raised in a close-knit family with cherished childhood memories, which involved, inter alia, playing soccer and volleyball.

Yves completed his primary studies at Les Frères de l’Instruction Chrétienne in Léogâne and attended the prestigious Petit Séminaire Collège St. Martial High School in Port-au-Prince before pursuing a degree in Education and a Law Certificate, which he obtained in 1993 and 1997, respectively, from the École Normale Supérieure and the Faculté de Droit of the Université d’État d’Haïti-UEH. At a very young age, he began his career in education as a distinguished teacher of Latin, French, and Literature, shaping the minds of countless students. In 1995, his dedication to public service led him to join the Haitian National Police as a Police Commissioner (Deputy Director of Human Resources) while also serving as an instructor at the Police Academy, where he mentored future police officers and leaders.

Passionate about education, Yves moved to the United States, where he earned, with distinction, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kean University, New Jersey in 2007. Always eager to share his knowledge and experience, Yves taught French at Union County College in New Jersey and worked as a Senior Counselor at the Community Education Centers, helping inmates in their rehabilitation process. He later served as the Civic Justice Corps Director at the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, a role that enabled him to facilitate humanitarian aid to Haiti, particularly following the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Despite his success abroad, Yves’s love for his homeland never wavered. He returned to Haiti to serve at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Diplomat and proudly represented his country on the global stage, namely in Spain and Italy. Consistent with his philosophy of education for all, he then carried out the duties of Chief of Staff for the General Director of the Fonds National de l’Éducation (National Funds for Education – FNE), whose goal, among others, is to build school infrastructure and provide scholarships to underprivileged students.

Besides his academic and professional accomplishments, Yves found joy in life’s simple pleasures—traveling, watching and playing soccer, tending to his backyard, and spending time with his precious family and friends. His infectious laughter, boundless generosity, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Yves’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He cherished every moment with his devoted wife of 27 years, Chantal, offering strength, wisdom, and unwavering support through life’s triumphs and challenges.

Yves is survived by his loving wife, Chantal Rousseau-Théodore, and his siblings: Marie Carole Théodore (Godmother), Jocelyne Théodore, André Tony Théodore, Jamanique Théodore, Roger Richard Théodore, Sophia Théodore, Gérald Théodore, and Marie Medjine Théodore. He leaves behind 21 nieces and nephews and 17 great-grand nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roger Théodore and Yvonne Rebecca, his brother, Rodney Théodore, and his sister, Yanick Théodore. He is also reunited with his uncles and aunts: Gesner Cilus, St. Hilaire Cilus, Mercilien Juste, Merciline Juste, Arnold Théodore, and Andrelia Théodore.

As we gather to honor Yves’s remarkable life and legacy, let us celebrate the profound impact he made on our lives and cherish the countless memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.