Joel R. Malebranche

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1946, Joel was the sixth of seven children born to Raoul and Dominga Malebranche. At the age of 18, he met his future wife, Magaly. He later emigrated to New York, proudly served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, and returned to Haiti in 1971 to marry Magaly. The couple made their home in Queens, New York, where they raised their two children: Mélissa, born in 1972, and Joel "Joey," born in 1983.

Joel was a true lover of life. An avid hunter, he found tremendous joy in the outdoors and nurtured a deep appreciation for plants and nature. A phenomenal cook, Joel took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals for his family and friends, always with laughter, music, and good company close at hand. He was an avid soccer fan, a passionate dancer, and a devoted listener of all genres of music, from Haitian compas to Latin jazz.

To Joel, Haiti was beloved. In particular he loved his home in Obleon, where he spent countless hours tending and puttering around his garden and minding his chickens. Often engaging in a battle of wills with hawks. Spoiler: Joel usually won. Obleon was his happy place–the space where he felt the most at peace.

Joel was a charismatic charmer with a generous spirit. Throughout his lifetime, he built and maintained a wide, loving community of friends. He was also a cherished uncle—known affectionately by many as "Oncle Joel" or "Mon Oncle Joe"—and leaves behind a large extended family who adored him.

Joel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Magaly; his daughter Mélissa and his son-in-law André; his son Joel and daughter-in-law Hewetté; and his cherished grandson, Amare Joel.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025

Wake: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 150-75 Goethals Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his big heart, vibrant spirit, and the joy he brought into every room.