Roger G. Dupont
Nicknames: Josy, Papa Josy, Papa ZiZi, Papi Jo
Age at death: 90 years old (One month before his 91st birthday)
Residence at death: Lake Worth, FL
Date of death: Monday, February 20, 2017
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Tall, lean, with an effervescent smile and movie-star good looks that inspired every person who crossed his path, Roger "Papi Jo" Dupont was known as a kind, honest gentleman, and the patriarch of his family. He is sorely missed.
A true bon vivant and fluent in four languages, he would often shift from one to another effortlessly, correcting his grandchildren's grammar (through his famous smile) and encouraging them to speak to him in perfect French. He even corrected his daughter the day before he passed.
Art and literature were some of his many passions, and Josy was an avid painter, with his work having been published in a compilation of Haitian artists book as well as being shown in many galleries. He also collected photos of families and friends to make intricate collages, and enjoyed sharing stories with loved ones. Religion was a strong part of his upbringing and it continued throughout his life; a devout Catholic, he attended mass regularly.
A merrymaker at every family party, even in his later years, he was known for dancing to music often swinging his walker from side to side blocking anyone who crossed his path, and not letting them go until they took a spin with him. A perpetual teaser, he loved to joke, and his easygoing attitude always provoked a positive vibe from those around him. Massively intelligent, he studied and practiced telegraphy in Cuba, where he received his Associate Degree. He returned to Haiti where he married and started his own business, then moved to New York where he was employed and awarded numerously for his service at NYU Medical Center for 25+ years.
Roger was born on March 15, 1926 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and then moved to New York where he became a U.S. citizen. He was fortunate to have six siblings: Magguy, Edouard, Max, Solange, Helsy, and Daniel. He fathered three children: Frantz (d.2015), Philippe, and Marie-Michele with his first marriage to Raymonde "Monde" Mollenthiel (d.2013). For almost 40 years, he was married to his beloved wife Antonine "Ninon" Fabien, and they raised her three children Genevieve (d.2005), Roger, and Lyonel Coriolan, until her passing on February 4, 2011.
He is survived by his nine children and children in-law: Ms. Marlene Dupont; Philippe and Monique Dupont; Marie-Michele and Ronald Malebranche; Roger and Elizabeth Coriolan; Lyonel and Judith Coriolan; his two sisters and two siblings-in-law Ms. Magguy Brierre, Helsy and brother-in-law Raymond Fleureau, and sister-in-law Ms. Dolene Dupont. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as several godchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many many other extended family and friends whom he all considered his very own.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10am on Saturday, February 25, 2017 located at 1000 W Lantana Rd, Lantana, FL 33462.
Funeral home in charge of arrangements: Boynton Memorial Chapel 561-734-5600
The family is grateful for the overwhelming support, affection and prayers.
