Obituary of Jean Gerard Louisias

Jean Gerard Louisias would describe himself as a lover of “politics”. In every conversation someone had with him, he would always discuss the latest updates in Haitian politics and always make a point to highlight what he would do if he were the president of Haiti. Gerard had a tremendous love for his birth country, Haiti. One of his favorite lines was “I do not want to be Black twice”, which is what he stated in reference to why he was not a citizen of the United States.

Gerard’s mother passed away when he was 14 years old and he had never met his father. Due to being orphaned at such a young age, he recognized the importance of family and valued education for himself and his children. In the 1960s, he obtained his undergraduate degree in law in Haiti. One of his major accomplishments in education was leading the Department of Education in Zaire (now known as the Republic of Congo) from 1962 to 1968. Upon settling in the United States, Gerard went back to school and obtained a Master's Degree in Liberals Arts at Medgar Evers College in 1982. Upon graduation, he worked as an Assistant Professor and taught Mathematics. In 1987, he obtained his PhD in Economy and Business administration at Long Island University. However, as politics was his first love, Gerard switched careers to work in the Haitian government as he saw an opportunity to build a Haitian democracy. He told a dear friend Gerard Salomon, “I am coming back to Haiti to make my contribution to its reconstruction.” He subsequently became the Minister of Trade/Commerce and Industry in Haiti from 1988-1989 under Haitian President Prosper Avril, and focused on the tremendous injustice and corruption in Haitian government. From 1990-1993, he was the Ambassador between Haiti and Columbia. After this appointment as ambassador, he retired but worked as a Haitian governmental consultant until 2015. He remained an avid lover of politics until he passed on March 22, 2023.

Jean Gerard Louisias is survived by his children Patrick Henry Michel Louisias, Gerard Touissant Louisias Jr., Emilie Louisias-Calixte, Jeffrey Louisias, Dr. Margee Louisias (son-in-law Dr. Anthony Alexander Prince), Dina Jones, and James Carter. His grandchildren, Brittney Louisias, Kiara Monae Louisias, Safia Marie-Claudette Louisias, Mikenzie Denise Louisias, Elisa Auguste, Gabriella Auguste, Stephanie Auguste, Beatrice Louisias, Christian Andrew Prince, and Gabriel Alexander Prince; and two great-grandchildren. Sadly, Gerard also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.He is predeceased by his former wife Marie Therese St. Surin and their son Stanley Louisias; his siblings Carmen St. Preux, Emile Philogene, Joseph Louisias Sr; and his niece Sandra Louisias-Morisseau.

Repass will be held at Chez Mireille Restaurant, 170 Post Ave. Westbury NY 11590 on Saturday April 29, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 5:30pm. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6063291726?pwd=TmVOcEhrdkF2a1I3OWxKQzNBa0lBZz09