Rev. Jean B. Pinchinat

Jean Bossuet Pinchinat, son of Telemaque Pinchinat and Elizabeth Reigner, was born in Gros-Mornes, Haiti March 1, 1935. He grew up in Gros-Mornes where he completed his primary studies then moved to Gonaives to complete his secondary school. As a young man, Mr. Pinchinat was known as the wild child of his family who had to participate in every weekend dance party, every wake, every concert until one day he met Mathilde Irene Francois and fell in love. Her Father, Lumodieu Francois, intially vowed to not let his beautiful innocent daughter fall for this “vagabond.” But his love for Mathilde Irene Francois marked an important turning point in his life. He committed to Mathilde, converted to Christianity, (and since he never did anything halfway) began his training in Theology, and deployed for missionary work in several remote villages. Soon Lumodieu was won over, and the so-called vagabond transformed himself into a man of God. Jean Bossuet married Mathilde Francois, and they raised six children together.

Another important turning point of Jean Bossuet Pinchinat’s life came as a result of political unrest and persecution he experienced in Haiti. He emigrated from Haiti to Florida to provide a better life for his wife and his children. Although it took years of hard work, Mr. Pinchinat eventually brought his wife and children to Florida as well. Life in Florida opened a new chapter for the entire family. While maintaining traditional Haitian culture, they also embraced the best aspects of American culture. It is here in Florida that Mr. Pinchinat completed his degree in Theology. Reverend Pinchinat actively served his community by working in several Baptist churches, preaching the good Word, counseling, and winning souls.

Although anyone who knows Mr. Pinchinat would attest that he was a man of faith, his most defining characteristic is that of a family man. Papa always prioritized the unity and well-being of his family. Whether it was how he faithfully inculcated his beliefs into his family, engaged in recurring philosophical and political discussions with his children and all who would listen, listened with curiosity and without judgement, fed his grandchildren sweet treats before dinner, taught practical life skills, how to support each other, how to love themselves and others. Indeed, he was the very essence of what a father should be.

Though he was a man of many talents, above all, he was a man of integrity. Thus, his legacy could be summed up in these words: faith, love, generosity, kindness, discipline, and joie de vivre. Jean Bossuet Pinchinat chose to see the world and his experiences not in terms of positive or negative, good or bad, but as purposeful lessons. His legacy lives on in his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his siblings.

Jean Bossuet Pinchinat went to his eternal rest on February 17, 2022. He is survived by his wife Mathilde I. Pinchinat, his children: Haschbaddana Pinchinat, Schelomith Andre, Kelitha Moise, Guesclin Pinchinat, Vania Saleem, and Schebania Pinchinat. His grandchildren: Rebecca, Alexander, Nathaniel, Shelakh, Ireshah, Frantz, Mawakana, Hakim, Shemaah, Johanna, Gdalyah, Patrick, Justin, Suri, Jonathan, Elijah, Amir, Chloe, Ethan, and Yohani. His additional children: Phelius Andre, Francelot Moise, Abdool S. Saleem, Ansy Dupervil, Anne-Love Joseph, Michele Schiaffino, Michele Anderson, Judith Maignant, Zilia Pacot. His brothers and sisters: Frankel Pinchinat, Verla Jean, Yolande Cesar, Baselais Pinchinat, Immacula Altagrace and Marie Carmelle Pinchinat. Extended family: Rodrigue Jean, Raymond Cesar, Dieuseul and Aniesse Yacinthe, Viergina Dangervil, Manotte Thomas and Daniel Francois. He left behind countless nephews, nieces, cousins and a long list of friends.

May Light Perpetual Shine Upon Him!

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