Gerard Leon Charles
September 20, 1927 - January 18, 2023
Gerard Leon Charles was born in Port au Prince, Haiti on September 20, 1927,
the eldest child of three children born to Jeanne-Louhis & Leon Charles.
Gerard lived with his parents and his brother Guy and his sister Gertrude during his formative years. As a young man, Gerard worked as a Banker in Haiti.
It was during the early days of banking in Haiti, Gerard met and married the love of his life - Louisa LeBlanc and they were blessed with four beautiful children: Magaly, Nadine, Gerard Jr
and Romy.
In 1969, Gerard & Louisa migrated to New York, USA in search of a more fulfilling life for the
family leaving the children with their grandparents: Odilon & Pierreta LeBlanc.
In New York, Gerard joined the hotel industry learning all aspects of a Hotelier as he and Louisa awaited the arrival of their children joining them from Haiti in 1971.
In 1975 the family moved to Canada, where Gerard continued working in the hotel management
while caring for his family.
In 1990, Gerard who was now known fondly as Papi Gege and Louisa retired to South Florida where Papi Gege continued his hotelier experience working part time in a Miami Beach Hotel.
In South Florida, his banking expertise was put to use in his church holding the position of Accountant for many years.
Papi Gege was well known for his charitable works in supporting many spiritual sons and daughters. Gerard loved music in particular Mozart being his favorite, he loved to sing and dance. He knew how to keep everyone in his presence positive and happy with Prayer at the forefront while always caring for his family.
Papi Gege and Louisa loved road trips crossing the North American continent several times as they travelled for vacations to visit the family, their children and grandchildren who still reside in Canada.
Gerard “Papi Gege” transitioned to be with His Lord on January 18, 2023 peacefully.
Thank you Papi for all the life lessons you embedded in each of us fortunate to receive your love & kindness. Forever in our hearts.
Gerard’s memories are being cherished by his survivors:
His siblings: Guy & Gertrude still residing in Canada;
Louisa, his beloved wife of 64 years, children Magaly, Nadine & Romy. Gerard Jr (his son preceded him 9 years in death). His grandchildren : Megan, Patrick James, Ryan, Nathaniel, Emma, Katrina, Benjamin, Mara & the first great grandchild Aura.
His brother-in-law Pierre LeBlanc who was also considered his son, his sisters- in- law: Marie Loudres Loiseau & Rhonda LeBlanc. His daughter-in-law Isabele, his sons-in-laws: Patrick, Thomas & Philip. In addition, Papi will remain in the hearts of a host of nephews, nieces, spiritual children & church family members.
Rest in Eternal Peace Papi Gege, Love always 🕊️ 🕊️ 🕊️
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gerard's memory may be made to Rhonda Eyes Alliance, http://rhondaeyesalliance.org/REA/Donate.html; The National Children’s Cancer Society, https://thenccs.org/; and Ivrance and Emmanuel Pierre Foundation , https://opengovca.com/charity/782087878RR0001.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.starofdavidfuneralchapel.com for the Charles family.
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