Edner Alcin

Born on Tuesday, August 12, 1947, in Desdune, Haiti, to the late Lavila Tonton Alcin and Martela Dorcela, Edner Alcin was the eldest of six children. A bright and curious child, he found joy in learning, playing soccer, and cherishing time with his family. After the untimely passing of his father, young Edner stepped up to care for his younger siblings, a role that defined his strength and sense of responsibility throughout his life.

In 1972, Mr. Alcin met a lovely woman by the name of Gladys Alcin. After two years of courting, the two were joined in matrimony and began to expand their family. With the added responsibility of providing for his growing family and younger siblings, Mr. Alcin made the courageous decision to seek a better life in America. Mr. Alcin migrated to the United States in the 1970s with very little to his name except his faith in God and ambition.

Mr. Alcin obtained his citizenship while working a series of jobs, he worked tirelessly until he was able to apply for residency for his wife, children, his mother, siblings and extended family. In his ambition and vision, Mr. Alcin launched his own money-transfer business. With his resources, he aided his community, encouraging and assisting other Haitian migrants to become naturalized citizens and send for their families in Haiti. Mr. Alcin was also a voice in his community, challenging biases that negatively impacted the migrant Haitians. Mr. Alcin once led a peaceful protest against the local school system which resulted in district wide changes. He became a beloved leader in his community, gaining him the nickname “Boss Edner”.

Mr. and Mrs. Alcin continued to expand their family while residing in Miami, Florida and then later, Belle Glade, Florida. In 1992, it was time for another change. Mr. Alcin gathered his family and moved to Tampa, Florida where he remained the rest of his life. When Mr. Alcin left Belle Glade, he received a divine calling to repent and return to God. He was no longer known as Boss Edner. He became Brother Edner.

Brother Edner was an active member in his local church; he developed a hunger for God, spending countless hours in scripture study, prayer and worship. In his later years, Brother Edner worked as a cab driver, opting for flexibility that allowed him to be available to his family and church.

In 2005, Brother Edner endured the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife. He completed his vows to her and to God and remained at her side at the hospital bed when she drew her final breath. A few years later, Brother Edner was diagnosed with dementia. And finally, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, Brother Edner was called home by God.

Brother Edner was simple. He loved God, loved his family, loved learning, good food and sports. Mr. Alcin taught his children to give God priority in their lives. He inspired his children to prioritize education, live with integrity and serve others—a testament to the values he held dear.

Brother Edner was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, brother (Frankel Alcin) and his sister (Yolanda Etienne).

He leaves to cherish his memories:

~Children: Jonas, Guerschom, Benjamin, Edner Jr., Edna, Emmanuella, and Dina.

~Daughters-in-law: Bertilde and Natasha.

~Grandchildren: Jonathan, Jaquez, Jay’len, Ethan, Aden, Braxton, Noah, Joanna, Ayla and Kaylie.

~Siblings: Fritz Innocent, Jean Claude Alcin and Pauline Vincent.

~A host of cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.