Jean R. Cantave

Jean Rossiny Cantave was born October 29, 1950 in La Valley “Jacmel,” Haiti. He was affectionally known as “Ossiny.” The eldest son of 11 siblings, he was the first born son to Cemery and Eromene Cantave. He went home to be with the Lord on April 15, 2020.

During his time in Haiti he served at his father’s church. He was a very hard worker from day one. He later settled in Guadalupe prior to finally leaving for the United States of America in 1982.

Ossiny was a loving and devoted servant of the Lord. He loved God with all his heart, and worshiped and studied His word at all times. Coming from a family of preachers with his father and brother both pastors, he was adamant about his family knowing and loving God. He always sought God’s counsel. Many nights when he would return home from work at midnight, he would read his Bible. Jean thirsted for God’s word, knowledge, and discernment. After joining the French speaking Baptist Church of Stamford, he became a member of the men’s choir. It brought him great joy to be able to sing for the Lord and serve God.

Ossiny was a forgiving family man. He cared so much for his siblings that he took on the task of supporting his family in Haiti. His favorite pastimes included gardening and farming. On any given sunny day you could find him in his garden. He was known for his beans. He would often give them away and he had so many, his wife started selling them to local stores.

He took great pride in keeping his house orderly and enjoyed maintaining his lawn. He enjoyed watching this grandchildren play in the backyard. Not only did he care about the appearance of his house, but he valued his own and those around him. He enjoyed shopping, looking and smelling good. It wasn’t uncommon to find him at the latest department store looking for something nice to wear to church. During his leisure time, he loved spending time with this family and he enjoyed watching basketball games and boxing matches.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Jean would do anything for his loved ones. He valued education very much. It was his desire for his children and grandchildren to gain an education so they could have a better life. He encouraged scholastic achievement and studying of the Bible. He always enjoyed a good joke. Ossiny and his family took great pleasure in laughing, eating and whenever possible, traveling together. He always often longed to be around surround by his family.

A punctual hard worker, Jean worked for Polycast for over 35 years. He took great pride in working and being able to provide for his family.

Early in life God allowed him to meet and marry the love of his life Marie Carmen “ti cam” Cantave in La Valley and they were married for 45 years. They left Haiti together in hopes of establishing and providing a life for themselves and family. They established themselves in Stamford, CT. From this union were born 3 children: Harold, Tony, and Nathanaelle Cantave.

Jean’s sweet memory will forever be cherished by his beautiful wife Marie Carmen Cantave, his loving sons Tony and Garry, his one and only daughter Nathanaelle, his five grandchildren, Tony, Giovane, Tyson, Paris and Soan. His dear nephew Fito and niece Mirka. His brothers and sisters: Mr. and Mrs. Elva Denis,

Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Cantave, Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Cantave, Mr. and Mrs. France Cantave, Madame Carmelite Cantave, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Jean François, Mr. and Mrs. DieuJuste, Raymond, Mr. Samuel Raymond and Mr. and Mrs. Elma Nissaille.

And countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and loved ones; Eromene and Cermery Cantave, Martine Renfort, Jean Claude Cantave, Daniel Cantave and Harold Cantave.

Special thank you to Pastor St. Juste and to the entire congregation of The First French Speaking Baptist Church of Stamford. Thank you to all family and friends near and far.