Roosevelt Louis

March 11, 1942 – September 17, 2026

Some goodbyes carry a weight that words cannot fully express. Saying goodbye to Roosevelt is one of them. His presence was woven into the the lives of so many, through the family he loved the sacrifices he made, the people he cared for, and the many ways he showed up for those who needed him. Today, we gather to honor the life of Roosevelt Louis — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Roosevelt’s life was marked by quiet strength, deep devotion, generosity, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family. Though grief is deeply personal, today we share in that grief together as we remember the life he lived, the sacrifices he made, and the love he gave so freely.

Roosevelt, affectionately known as “Velt,” was born on March 11, 1942, in Jacmel, Haiti, to Leon and Eroizine Louis. From the very beginning, he was surrounded by family and community. The bonds he formed with his brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends would

remain a meaningful part of his life and help shape the man he would become.

From an early age, Roosevelt learned the value of hard work and resilience. He learned electrical work alongside his brother Laraque and worked as a taxi driver in Haiti. These early experiences helped build the resourcefulness, determination, and strong work

ethic that would stay with him throughout his life.

Fatherhood became part of Roosevelt’s story early in adulthood with the birth of his eldest daughter, Wamence, followed years later by his son, Rony. He also became a father figure to many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones, including Frantz,

Micheline, and Renette, to name a few. Roosevelt had a way of showing up for people, especially family, and making them feel cared for.

On September 23, 1980, Roosevelt immigrated to the United States. His brother Laraque played an instrumental role in helping Roosevelt and his siblings establish a new life in America. Roosevelt first settled in Brooklyn, New York, before his journey

eventually led him across the country to Pasadena, California.

It was in California that Roosevelt met Helen, the woman who would become his wife. Although they did not initially share a common language, Roosevelt found ways to communicate with her, sometimes with the help of a Haitian translator. Their love story

unfolded through persistence, Kentucky Fried Chicken, a period of time apart, and a chance reunion in a grocery store. Ultimately, they found their way back to one another and built a life and family together.

When Roosevelt and Helen met, both already carried a deep commitment to family. Helen was the mother of Hernando, while Roosevelt was the father of Wamence and Rony. Their relationship brought their lives together, and in time they welcomed Roslin,

their only child. Together, they built a family shaped by love, perseverance, and devotion.

In 1997, the family settled in New Jersey to join Eroizine, Laraque, Larousse, and Bertrand in Roselle. Roosevelt, who had worked at Avis in California, transferred to Newark Liberty International Airport, where he detailed cars. After many years of hard

work with his hands, the physical toll forced him to retire early at the age of 63. Retirement did not slow him down; instead, it gave him more time to spend with his family.

Those who knew Roosevelt knew him as a gentle giant. He was hardworking, generous, dependable, and honest to a fault. Helping others came naturally to him, and he went out of his way to make sure people knew he was there for them. He cared for those

around him, especially by making sure they were fed. To Roosevelt, food brought people together. Many will remember how he enjoyed taking his favorite people to the buffet, turning a simple meal into a gesture of love and generosity.

He was also unmistakably Roosevelt: strong-willed, strict, wonderfully stubborn, funny, great at numbers, and full of personality. His laugh was unforgettable, and so was his

familiar “Woyyy!” — an expression that could mean disbelief, frustration, surprise, or pain, depending entirely on the moment. Those who knew him rarely needed an explanation.

He never learned to use a smartphone, relying instead on his remarkable memory for phone numbers or writing them down when he needed to. Yet what mattered most to him was never technology, but the people he loved and cared for.

Roosevelt’s devotion to his family was most visible in the way he cared for Helen. When she became critically ill and required intensive care, Roosevelt remained by her side night after night. When asked why he would not go home, he explained that he could not go home and had nowhere else he needed to be. His place was beside his wife.

In his later years, Roosevelt endured significant physical and mental anguish, more than many around him fully understood. He also experienced profound loss. His siblings Leocadie and Larousse passed away in 2023, followed by the loss of his brother

Laraque in February 2026. With each loss, a piece of his heart was taken with it.

Laraque was more than Roosevelt’s brother; he was his best friend. Their bond had been forged over a lifetime; from their early years together in Haiti to building new lives in America. They shared a history, an understanding, and a friendship that only deepened with time.

The bonds Roosevelt shared with his siblings and many relatives stretched across decades, countries, hardships, and countless memories. Their losses affected him deeply, and the loss of Laraque left an especially profound absence in his life.

Roosevelt found comfort in his Christian faith and had a particular love for Haitian gospel music. His faith and love for music brought him peace and connection, especially during difficult seasons. He was an avid Bible reader and made sure to keep it near him even during his illness. One of his favorite phrases near the end of his life was, “God is big.” He wanted us to know that we would be okay if we trusted in His light.

Roosevelt was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Eroizine Louis, and by his siblings Leocadie, Larousse, and Laraque.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Helen Louis; his children, Wamence Louis-Goda, Rony Louis, Hernando Cortes Watson, and Roslin May Louis; his grandchildren, Sophia and Alisha; his siblings, Bertrand and Livianne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, humor, and love.

Roosevelt’s legacy cannot be measured only by the places he lived, the work he did, or the years he was given. His legacy lives in the people he cared for, the sacrifices he made, the family he held close, and the ordinary moments he transformed into lasting

memories.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May we honor his legacy by loving generously, caring faithfully for one another, holding family close, and trusting in the light of the God he believed was always greater than our sorrow.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, 07036, on September 26, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.