Pierre Gerard Innocent

Pierre Gerard Innocent (affectionately known as Gerard), passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loved ones, at the venerable age of 93, in the morning of November 7, 2023. Gerard was born on December 9, 1929, in Pétionville, Haïti, to Marie-Circélie Innocent and baptized at St. Pierre Catholic Church in Pétionville.

Gerard studied at Lycée Toussaint Louverture and was a graduate of École Simon Bolivar. He attended Leconte School, where he studied accounting. He began his career at Télé Haïti, he then moved on to SNEM and Achiconferi, where he met his future wife. Gerard married the love of his life, Tertulia Chouloute (fondly known as Jacqueline), on March 28, 1968. Their union welcomed 3 children; Yves Altagracia Carmelle and twins, Fabiola and Greger Innocent. Their love and partnership overcame some challenging times, for instance when they had to make the tough decision to have Jacqueline make her way to the US alone, to establish a life for her family, in faith that their family would be reunited.

His role changed that very moment, making him the only accessible parent, the disciplinarian, teacher, comforter and protector. He had to make great sacrifices to ensure that the needs of his children were met. Gerard, Jacqueline and their children were reunited 10 years later September 1, 1989. He worked at Pavillion Cosmetics for 10 years prior to retiring. Post retirement, he dedicated his time to the family cake business.

Gerard was a devout Christian, a pioneer of the Holy Family prayer group in the archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, where he also served as a deacon. As he transited to a new country, his faith remained steadfast. Once settled in his new home, he became a faithful member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spring Valley and began to serve in various ministries, such as: a lector and commentator in the Haïtian Mass. He was a member of the charismatic group "Groupe de Louanges" and a counsel member to the group " Les Coeurs Unis de Jesus et de Marie". He was a God fearing man, who loved his family, friends, neighbours and church.

Gerard was preceded in death, by his son Mario Innocent and grandson Netdji Innocent. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Innocent, his children; Yvrose Innocent, Michel Pouliot (son-in-law), Yves A. Carmelle Innocent, Joseph Chérubin (son-in-law), Fabiola Innocent- Alexandre and son Greger Innocent. His grandchildren; Emmanuel (Ariane Salvador),

Thierry, Vladimir, Alexandre, Françis (Anne-Marie Bonneau) Pouliot, Nohika Chérubin and Janai Alexandre. His great-grandchildren; Ashley, Shawn-Iverson Innocent, Jaylen, Joshua, Alexia Pouliot. His God-daughter, Euphemie Girault, as well as his numerous nieces and nephews.

His siblings; Marie Louise Antonin, Alourdes Innocent (Joseph Vixamar), Pierre (Marie Yolande), François, Alfred (Marie-Denise). He will also be dearly missed by his in-laws; from the Sanz, Chouloute, Champagne, Hypolite, Alexandre, Lamore, Séjour, Saintilien, Dallemand and Milceus families.

The family would like to thank each and everyone of you with gratitude for your support and condolences during these trying times.

A visitation for Pierre will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 8:30 AM at St Joseph's Church, 245 N Main St, Spring Valley, New York 10977. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Rd., Airmont, New York 10952.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wanamakercarlough.com for the Innocent family.