Ernst Gabriel

Our father, Ernst Gabriel — known to everyone who loved him as “Tines” — went home to the Lord on October 28, 2026, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He was 83 years old. He leaves behind a family that is stronger, braver, and closer because of him.

A Son of Port-au-Prince

Dad was born on March 27, 1943, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Jean André Gabriel and Emilia Constant Gabriel. He valued time spent with his brother and eight sisters. With that many sisters, he learned early how to listen, how to be patient, and how to wait his turn for the bathroom. He studied at Centre D’Étude Simon Bolivar.

The Beautiful Game

Soccer was his first love. Dad played the game professionally, and it was one of the proudest parts of his life. He never stopped loving it. He cheered hard for the Haitian National Team and for Brazil, and he had strong opinions about both — usually shared from his favorite chair in front of the television.

A Speech That Changed Everything

Dad was a man of few words. But the right words, at the right moment, can change a life. At a wedding one day, he stepped on stage to give a short speech. Arlette was in the crowd. She saw a tall, dark, handsome man — and then he spoke French. That was that.

A mutual friend introduced them, and it did not take long for both of them to know. On July 1, 1982, Ernst and Arlette were married. Their life together began at a wedding, and it was blessed by one, too. They shared 44 years of marriage, faith, and quiet devotion.

A Caring Heart at Work

Dad worked as a group home healthcare provider with Catholic Charities. He cared for others with the same quiet strength he gave his own family. His faith was not loud, but it was deep. He was a devoted Roman Catholic, and he lived what he believed.

The Man We Knew

If we had to describe our father in four words, we would choose these: protector, devoted, stable, and supportive. Dad did not talk much. He did not need to. When he spoke, the room grew quiet, because we all knew it mattered. He loved Kompa music, a good plate of Haitian food, and a peaceful evening with the television and Carvel’s Rum ‘n Raisin ice cream.

He loved his brother and sisters with his whole heart, and that love spilled over to their children. Once, he heard that one of his nieces was very sick. He did not call. He did not wait. He rushed to her house, came straight through the door, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the hospital himself. That was Dad. When his family needed him, he showed up — and he showed up fast.

What He Taught Us

Dad left us three lessons, and we will carry them for the rest of our lives:

Family first. Work hard. Never give up.

Those Who Carry His Love

He is survived by his loving wife, Arlette Gabriel; his children, Majory Gabriel, Ernst Gabriel Jr., Myrtho Gabriel (and husband Benito Lazarre), Dexter Gabriel, and Snyder Gabriel; his grandchildren, Reginald Paul Jr., Ashley Paul, Jessica Paul, Zoii Gabriel, Ernst Gabriel III, Arlette Gabriel, Mia Gabriel, Raven Gabriel, and Andre Gabriel; two great-grandchildren; his sisters, Carole Souffant and Ghislaine Gabriel; his nieces and nephews, including Marie Betty Revolus, Jean Risler Duvilaire, Mikelsy Duvilaire, Guerdy Arnault, Fritz Gourdet, Pierre Augustin Jr. (Tatai), Lucie Augustin, and Altagrace Augustin; and many other relatives and dear friends.

He was welcomed home by his parents, Jean André Gabriel and Emilia Constant Gabriel; his daughter, Regine Gabriel; his brother, Jacques Benoit; his sisters, Giselle, Marlaine, Jocelyne, Ketly, Lucresse, and Agar Gabriel; and his nephew, Woody Gourdet.

To everyone gathered here today, thank you. Your love, your prayers, and your presence would have meant the world to him — even if he only said so with a nod and a quiet smile.

Rest well, Dad. You carried us for so long. Now let the angels carry you.

Repoze an pè, Tines.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, US, on November 8, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on November 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2401 Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, US, on November 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.