Obituary of Jonas Etienne

Jonas Etienne was born on December 8^th, 1933 to Gabriel and Poincilia Etienne in Poulie, Haiti. He departed this life on December 31, 2021, at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ at the age of 88.  He was a resident of Newark, NJ for 29 years.

Jonas completed his schooling in the Episcopalian school system and proceeded to work as a farmer, following in his parents’ footsteps, working his own lands until he immigrated to the United States in July 1982.  While in the U.S., he worked hard, sometimes holding two (2) jobs at a time, to provide for his family back home.  Eventually, he was able bring them to the U.S. to be with him.  As a result of his hard work and sacrifice, his sons were able to also to bring their families to the U.S. as well.  He  worked at the Hilton Hotel in Short Hills, NJ for many years until the age of 65. He also worked at Tropar Manufacturing Inc. in Florham Park, NJ for close to thirty (30) years until he fully retired at the age of 77.  He was born and raised as an Episcopalian and remained such until his death. 

He was united in marriage with Christia Etienne (formerly Augustin) until her death on February 14, 2005.  From this union three (3) children were born.  He is survived by his children:  Junie Etienne, Jean Joe Etienne and wife Carline, and Najacques Etienne and wife Shirley; grandchildren: Franckline Joseph, Synndie Etienne Brown and her husband Clint, Jennifer Etienne, Jeff Etienne, Katlyn Etienne, Melissa Etienne, Jake Etienne and Nahliah Etienne; Great-grandchildren: Madison Joseph, Christopher Joseph, Ryleigh Marie Brown and Franklin Joseph; brothers:  Rosval Etienne and wife Elizabeth and children, Rodrigue Etienne and wife Guertrude and children, Gulnave Etienne and wife Marie-Aimé and children, Roblin Etienne and wife Yvonnie and children and Marckensy Etienne and wife Carmelie and child; sister: Canese Louis (Formerly Etienne) and husband Jean and children; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Gabriel and Poincilia Etienne; son: Francklin Etienne; brothers:  Anifils Etienne and Dieuver Etienne; sisters:  Clevy Jacques (formerly Etienne), Eliana Etienne, Janne Etienne and Rosita Etienne. 

Jonas lived a life full of laughter and youthfulness.  He was ageless in his mind.  He was a friend to all and had a very giving heart.  He touched many with his zest for life, kindness, generosity, ready smile and laughter.  His work ethic was impeccable.  Everything we have accomplished as his children and grandchildren are due to his many sacrifices.  His impact on our lives can never be forgotten.