Paul M Valles' Obituary
Paul Jean-Marie Benoni Jizerel Marcel Valles, of Willingboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2020 with his family by his side. He was 77. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to the late Marcel and Leonie Valles (nee Oscar) on November 13, 1942.
During his formative years in Port-au-Prince Haiti, young Paul attended College Bird, Petit College St. Martial, Lycée Petion and was an avid ping pong player.
In 1963, he immigrated to the United States and resided in Brooklyn, New York with his host family Pastor Ludovic St. Phard and his wife Emma St. Phard (nee Oscar). Paul landed his first job in the US working at Howard Hospital in Long Island while attending Brooklyn Community College. He was also employed by the National Council of Churches while attending school majoring in computer programming. He received his big break in computer programming when he was hired by Hoffman LaRoche, where he was employed there for 33 years.
Paul was a member First Haitian Baptist Church located at Hanson Place, where he was a member of the choir and the church treasurer. While attending church in 1965, Paul had no idea that his future bride, Lucienne Thomas was in front of the choir singing soprano and he was behind her singing tenor.
On January 29, 1966, Paul was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Lucienne Thomas. He was also a dedicated father to his three children, Paul Jr., Primerose and Yves Richard.
Paul later moved his family to Willingboro, New Jersey after Hoffman LaRoche moved their operations here from Brooklyn. Upon settling in New Jersey, Paul attended Thomas Edison College where he earned an Associate's degree. He was known as “Papi Paulo’ to his immediate family and “Uncle Paul” to the rest of the world.
Paul and his family were faithful, loyal and devoted members of Haitian Baptist Church of Willingboro, where he served and held the title, Trustee. Paul wore so many hats and set the groundwork for so many. He was available to all who needed him, from presiding over the food pantry to overseeing the Church. He was so appreciated for the services and the knowledge he provided to others; he was given the name the “Mayor of the United States”. Regardless of how much time he spent helping others, he always had time for his family.
In January, 2005, Paul received an “Award of Appreciation” for his outstanding service and dedication in the construction of the New Haitian Baptist Church of Willingboro Fellowship Hall. In November 2012, Paul was presented with an award for his Outstanding Contribution in the construction of the Church Mezzanine.
He leaves treasured memories with his dedicated wife of 54 years, Lucienne Valles; he was a devoted father to his three children, Paul Marcel Valles, Jr., (Pamela) of Sicklerville, NJ; Primerose Valles of Willingboro, NJ; and Yves Richard Valles (Darrita) of Warner Robbins, GA; two sisters, Alzire Gustave (Emmanuel) of Port-au-Prince, Haiti ; Bernadette Verdieu (Fritz) of Opopka, Florida; and one brother, Hugues Noel (Raymonde) of Brooklyn, NY; two sisters-in-law, Raymonde Noel (Hugues) of Brooklyn, NY and Nicole Archer of Mullica Hill, NJ; he was a beloved grandfather to Andre Valles, (Sherrie) of Williamstown, NJ, Hakeem Valles of Ofallon, MO, Max Valles of Sicklerville, NJ, Dream Valles and Kingston Valles both of Warner Robbins, GA; great-grandfather to Victoria, Jolina, Andre', Jr., Nia and Lucienne, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
*Due to current circumstances, services for Paul will be held privately. A live stream service will take place on Friday, May 22 at 12 pm on the website tribute page, Givnish Funeral Home (www.Givnish.com)
Acknowledgements
It is with a grateful heart that the family of Paul Valles, Sr., extends sincere thanks and deep gratitude for the many expressions of sympathy, love and consideration shown. We do not have adequate words to express our sentiments during this journey. A special acknowledgement to Valles, Oscar, St Phard, Antoine, Verdieu, Noel, Thomas, Archer, Emmaneul, Dorvil, and Aubourg.To the Church family, friends and family members, we “Thank You” for all the acts of kindness, the many prayers and expressions of love. May God richly bless you all as you l have blessed us.
Love, The Valles Family
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