Jean Pierre

Pierre
Jean Joseph Gesnel Pierre was born in Chantal, Haiti on September 2, 1938. His father was Louinius Pierre and his mothers name was Louisina Fortune, though everybody in the neighborhood knew her as Man Nini. He was raised in the city of Cayes with his five other siblings, Nelson Pierre (Brother), Antoine Pierre (Brother), Marc Pierre (Brother), Louisina Pierre (Sister), Leogene Pierre (Brother). He grew up in a very popular neighborhood known as Marchè Dimanche. Gesnel's father was a very wealthy farmer in that town.

Upon finishing secondary school, Gesnel took a job in manufacturing, but left soon after to enlist in the Haitian Army as a simple soldier. Because of his diligence and strong work ethic, he was quickly promoted and given special assignments. His first assignment was accountant for the army, followed by a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, and eventually he was promoted to Commander of Chief of Police for the City of Cayes, Haiti. In addition to his role in the Army, he and his brothers were continually involved in farming, transportation, and bakery businesses.

Gesnel Pierre retired in the Army in 1981 after more than 20 years of service. He then moved to New York City to join his wife Marie Anite Pierre and one of his sons Marc E Pierre. Four other sons, Claude, Joel, Jude, and Samuel soon followed him to the United States. Gesnel has an extended family that includes 16 children, 8 boys, and 8 girls. The children in chronological order are: Mirlene Pierre, Susie Pierre (deceased), Julio Residor, Urcile Pierre, Marc E Pierre, Jean Claude Pierre, Magdala Fortune, Jean Daniel Fortune, Fania Cherisier, Joel Pierre, Jude Pierre, Samuel Pierre, Fritznel Merise, Sydonise Merise, Roseline Jeune, Carline Jeune. Two other sons, Julio and Fritznel now reside in the United States.

Gesnel worked extremely hard in the United States to support his family. He worked several manufacturing and restaurant jobs before deciding to join the Taxi and Limousine Commission as a driver. In 2004, still working part time, Gesnel got into a car accident. While at the hospital, the doctor's discovered a tumor on his brain. After the first brain surgery, he spent three months in the hospital recovering. Upon returning home, Gesnel sought the comfort of God and a church community and was baptized at the Church of Redempteur. He attended church services several times a week and developed a bond with his fellow Christian brothers and sisters.

In early 2008, Gesnel and Anite relocated to Ohio to be closer to family. While in Ohio, Gesnel underwent his second brain surgery to remove more of the tumor. After surgery, he was sent to Pickerington Rehabilitation for therapy and recovery. From February 2008 to the present, Gesnel spent much of his time in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation center. During his final days, he was sent to the Columbus rehabilitation and Sub-acute center for recovery. He died on August 30, 2008. Gesnel leaves behind thirty-seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.