Joseph Deslandes Jean Pierre, a passionate educator, commercial speculator and beloved father, died Friday, November 3, 2023 at Tampa General Hospital. A teacher to the end, he was known as “Maitre Deslandes,” bringing forth lessons in French, geography, history and mathematics. Mr. Deslandes was born on April 29, 1940 in Milot, Haiti. He is preceded in death by his parents Narcess Jean Pierre and Utilia Saint-Martin. He leaves behind his cherished wife Jacqueline Jean Pierre.
As a lifelong teacher, Mr. Deslandes thrived as an elementary school teacher in Philippine Baptist School for the early part of his teaching career. He advanced his teaching career as director of Seventh-Day Adventist School in Milot, Haiti. Mr. Deslandes always believed education to be the foundation for opportunity. In search of greater access to higher quality education and pathways to success for his children and students, he left his hometown in Milot to permanently reside in Cap Haitian where he taught at College Gabrielle for over a decade. After many decades of teaching, Mr. Deslandes retired from education and he dived into the business world as a pawnbroker.
What he treasured most in life was his children. More than anything else, he loved being a father. He ensured his children received the highest quality of education the city had to offer and fought for his children to be well-rounded, educated, admired and respected amongst the community. He knew that if he could achieve giving his children the power of knowledge, their lives would be much easier, much more fulfilling, and much more successful with a better chance of love and happiness.
Motivated by love for his God, Mr. Deslandes devoted his life to Him and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses on July 30, 2016. He enjoyed reading the Bible and developed a strong passion to share what he learned from it with others. What he loved sharing the most is the wonderful promise that, very soon, righteous people will enjoy everlasting life in an earthly paradise.
Deslandes’ compassion for teaching was at the heart of everything. The knowledge he imparted and the lessons he taught will continue to resonate with us. His daughters continued his legacy of treasuring education as they raised their own children, and his investment in their lives will remain for generations to come. His wife, children, family, friends and students, whose lives he touched, will always remember him with great fondness and love.
He will be dearly missed by his six daughters: Adeline Arnaud, Sulamithe Jean-Francois, Denise Louis, Sandra Jean-Pierre, Vanessa Jean Pierre, Dieula Jean Pierre; His sons-in-law: John Arnaud, Lorius Jean-Francois, Mickson Louis, Carl Henri Cadet; His grandchildren: Stanley Arnaud, Ashline Arnaud, Laura Jean-Francois, Denson Louis, Misheena Louis, Daniya Cadet, and Carlyssa Cadet; His Nieces and nephews: Amces Jean Pierre, Adeline Jean Pierre, Estetida Francois; His Cousins: Romain St Martin, Deny St Martin, Joseph St Martin, Mrs. Noel Eriveaux, Immacula Valbrun, Philome Remy Jocelyn Joseph, Emmanuel Sanon, Benicia Cesar, Sandia Cesar, Ronel Joseph. Mr. Eugene Augustin Salvant, Mr. Legrand Parisien Salvant, Lawyer Jean Marie Parisien Salvant, Madam Jeannette Salvant Saint Fort, Madam Eveline Salvant Cadeau, Marc Henry Salvant, Reverend Pastor Febus Salvant, Mr. Emmanuel Salvant, Edgard Jean Francois; and his family and many friends.
His ability to sacrifice, educate, provide, support, forgive and love will be forever engraved in everyone he knew.
A celebration of life for Joseph will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1647 South Mulrennan Road, Valrico, Florida. Interment to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.
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