Frantz Lamarre

Frantz Lamarre peacefully passed away on June 6, 2014 at the age of 72, surrounded by his family and several relatives. He was born on August 9, 1941 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Frehel Lamarre and Maria Nelson. He immigrated to Spring Valley, Rockland County in 1968, where he remained a lifelong resident up until his death. Until his retirement, Frantz was employed as a Social Worker with Abbott House in Tarrytown, NY. He had previous employment with Adelphi, Louise Wise Services, Letchworth Community Clinic, H.A.C.S.O, and provided his services to the Haitian Community at large.

The wake for Frantz Lamarre will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014 from the hours of 4:00pm-9:00pm at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, in Suffern, NY. The funeral will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spring Valley at 11:00 am; the internment will immediately follow the service at the Brick Church Cemetery in New Hempstead, NY.

Frantz is survived by his wife, Reine-Marie G. Lamarre of Spring Valley, children Herbie Lamarre of Spring Valley, Frantzie Lamarre-Cham of Spring Valley, Sandra Lamarre of Albany, NY, and Reine Lamarre of Congers, along with 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings, cousins, and one grandchild.

Frantz Lamarre was a man of many accomplishments. He graduated with an A.A.S. from Rockland Community College in 1981, B.S.W. (Social Work) from Dominican College in 1983, and M.S.W. from Fordham University in 1984; he gained certification as a Licensed Master Social Worker with the State of New York in 2006. Mr. Lamarre was a member of La Fraternite Lodge #3 of Spring Valley and New York State Long-Term Ombudsman with the County of Rockland Office of the Aging. In addition he received honors, awards, and recognition as an outstanding member and contributor to various community organizations, such as the Haitian-American Parents Association (HAPA), The Village of Spring Valley, Konbit Neg Lakay, IFG Productions, State University of New York, and former NYS Senator Linda Winikow, just to name a few.

Frantz Lamarre was a dedicated, family-oriented man. Frantz was a political, social, and community activist with a revolutionary spirit. Frantz was generous, yet humble. He enjoyed his later years by spending time with his many grandchildren, whom he spoiled and loved immensely. He could be described as "everyone's Daddy", because he was truly dedicated to children in both his professional career and personal life. Frantz was greatly known and appreciated by many. He leaves behind an eternal legacy of compassion, advocacy and service, selflessness, community, and family, and most importantly, one of love.