Francis Barthelemy

While vacationing in Haiti, the country he called home and loved most, Joseph Marie Francis Barthélémy, transitioned from this earth on Thursday, August 17, 2023, in his hometown of Jacmel. Francis was one of 11 children and was the son of the late L’abbé Doyére Barthélémy and Andrelina Celestin. Francis was a man of faith and had a big heart.

In 1970, Francis along with his mother, made the decision to join his sister, Innocente, in New York to make a new life for himself in the United States. While there, he worked for the city of New York as a Pest Control Inspector.

In 1973, he fell in love and married Bettina Celestin. In 1977, they moved to Cambridge, MA, where they established a life for themselves and raised their two daughters, Ashlynn and Joanne. Francis worked hard to provide for his family, as a taxicab driver, owning his own medallion. He was known to everyone as 91.

In 2000, Francis returned to NY and became a director at Caribbean Air Mail. There he met the second love of his life. He remarried in 2004 to Gertty Borgella. Francis retired as a Limo Driver after a serious car accident, while on the job in 2018.

Though neither relationship was permanent, Francis held a special place in his heart for both Bettina, whom he affectionately called Tina and Gertty, whom he affectionately called Ginou.

Francis was a giver and kind-hearted but most of all he adored his family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and provide a roof to one in need. Those who knew him well, also knew him as a jokester. Of late, Francis enjoyed reminiscing on the old days with his daughters (sometimes repeating the same stories many times over). He also enjoyed playing dominos and cheering for Haiti as he watched soccer matches. Francis admired his daughters immensely and took great pride in both.  At times, he would even ask their friends if they knew how much he loved them.  He often bragged about how wonderful they were. He also loved his grandson, Novah, dearly. Francis, a typical strict Haitian parent to his daughters even as adults, spoiled his grandson in every way possible. He was able to enjoy his last two years on earth living with Novah. This brought him incredible joy when life at times would get him down.

Francis is survived by his children: Ashlynn (Barthélémy) Dormus and Joanne Barthélémy; son in law: Patrick Dormus; grandson: Novah Dormus; sisters: Caona Jeannis, Rosemarie Jeannis, Innocente (Jeannis) Jean-Jacques, Joelle Barthélémy Lalanne and Ketline Barthélémy Adodo; brother: Pierre Henri Barthélémy and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and special friends who will treasure his memory. May he rest in peace till we meet again.

To leave condolences to the family, please visit http://www.georgelopesfuneralhome.com