Dr. Sylvain Francois

This isn’t the beginning of an odd joke, but another day in the life of Dr. Sylvain François, who happened to be all four.

To say that Sylvain was a distinguished academic is an understatement. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to parents Pierre and Sylvia, “François” as he was known by his friends and colleagues, came to New Orleans as a young man in his twenties to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at Loyola University; the first of 8 Academic Degrees including Master’s and Doctorates in Education from Tulane and Beverly Hills Universities.

To say that Sylvain was talented, would be right on the money. He loved and excelled at soccer (the real football in case you were wondering!) both as a player and a University Coach. He spoke 7 languages (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Haitian Creole) which he expertly used to befriend and help 1000s of people throughout his life and career, often being confused as a native speaker because of his fluency. He travelled extensively throughout Mexico and Central America gaining a love of both the culture and the people.

To say that Sylvain was an esteemed member of the community wouldn’t do his contributions justice. Working in the New Orleans Mayor’s Office for over a decade as Director of International Relations and Trade Development, he hosted celebrities and foreign dignitaries, raising the city’s profile year after year. But his true love was helping people. He was a true advocate for the people, particularly the immigrant community. Whether helping someone find a job, get a travel visa, or even apply for citizenship, literally thousands of people can attest that their lives were positively influenced by Sylvain’s unwavering desire to help, including those of his beloved home country Haiti where he travelled often and founded a Clinic to serve their needs. So great were his contributions, he was named as honorary Consul of Haiti, a post of which he was particularly proud, allowing him to truly increase his capacity to positively influence the lives of others.

To say Sylvain will be missed is a fact. From senators to street performers. From social workers to cab drivers. From colleagues to students. Que Dieu te bénisse, Sylvain. Que Dios te bendiga, Sylvain. God Speed, Sylvain. Bondye beni ou, Sylvain.

Sylvain is survived by his three children Francisco, Erika, and Neblis. By his loving Sister Immacula, her husband Milou, and their children Darlene, Jean-Herve, and Sandra. All his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. And his exceptional 24/7 caretaker Lucienne, a true angel. Funeral Services will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, La on Saturday, May 22nd at 1pm.

Oh... and yes, he played the accordion. And he was really good at it too!