Joseph Renand Barthelus

Joseph Barthelus ("Tonrè")
April 27, 1947 – September 16, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Barthelus, affectionately known as "Tonrè," on September 16, 2024. Born on April 27, 1947, in Laraque, Haiti, to the late Antoine Barthelus and Dorcelia Jean Charles. Joseph was known to many as Fr. Renand, Papi Renand, Lil Joe (Metals USA), Two Cho (Bakery Family) and of course to us all "Tonre". One thing Tonre was known for, a simple yet cherished memory, was his love for hot beef patties and bread he would always tell his bakery family " I want the freshest and hottest ones from the back, give it to me Two Cho" A detail many fondly remember about him.
Joseph met the love of his life, Altagrace Simon, in 1963. He was 17, and she was 13. They met by crossing pass one day on the way walking to school. The two would talk every day on the way from school. That one day of meeting, led to seven years of courtship. After seven years, they married on December 31, 1970. Their love was unwavering, and they were just two months shy of celebrating 54 years of marriage at the time of Joseph's passing.
In search of a better future for his family, Joseph migrated to the United States two years after his marriage on February 12, 1972. In just eight days of being in the states, Joseph started working at Metals USA, thanks to his cousin Joseph Barthelus who was known as Big Joe at Metals USA who helped him secure the job. Over the years, Joseph worked his way up, becoming a supervisor and displaying a strong work ethic that helped him support his family. After 2 years of dedicated service, he was able to bring his wife to the states on March 24, 1974, and children-Nancy Joseph and Kerlo Barthelus (in 1985)-to join him, along with other family members. In the midst of their new transition, they had their youngest child Anne R. Barthelus "Williams" on November 25th, 1984. Joseph spent 40 years working and retired from Metals USA.
A man of faith, Joseph was a committed member of the Church of God of Bethesda, where he faithfully attended for over 30 years. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was known for his dedication to the church. Joseph was always there to lend a hand. His strong principles extended to everyone, even his daughter Nancy, who famously had to pay the $20 entrance fee to attend a church concert! When it came to discipline and structure, everyone knew Tonre was the man for the job.
Joseph was a man of discipline and integrity, known for his unwavering values. His "no" meant "no," and his "yes" was always dependable. Joseph was the type of man that would give you his shirt of his back. He was always lending out a helping hand. He took immense pride in caring for his family, ensuring that even his grandchildren were well provided for. His granddaughter Lydia Williams held a special place in his heart, and he was more of a father figure for her,yet the best grandfather he could be to all his grandchildren.
Joseph's love for family extended beyond providing; he instilled in his children the importance of education, financial planning, and respect. He was also known for saying, "If someone disrespects you, just come get me." He enjoyed family cruises and loved watching soccer-Argentina being his favorite team. He also had a deep love for cultural music and gospel, and if you knew Joseph, you knew he was a smooth dancer.
On Monday September 16th, 2024, our beloved Tonre was called home to be with his Maker. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Antoine and Dorcelia Barthelus, his sister Jertha Barthelus and his brother Charles Bathelus. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years Altagrace "Sister" Barthelus, his children Nancy Joseph, Kerlo Barthelus, and Anne Williams; his grandchildren Jaynick Joseph, Renaldo Joseph, Nikisha Joseph, Kerlo Aziz Jaquan Barthelus, Lydia Williams and Renancy Alta Barthelus. He also leaves behind his sisters Marie Odette Pierre, Jeannine Barthelus, Martha Barthelus, Eberthe Rebecca, Claircine Miro, Elionise Miro and his brother Smith Barthelus, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Joseph's legacy of love, hard work, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He taught his family as well as many others the values of discipline, structure, and the importance of a good education, and he cared for them in every possible way. Though he has left us, his spirit remains strong in all the lives he touched.
If You Would Like To Send A Flower Arrangement To The Service Being Held On Friday, October 4, 2024, Please Be Aware That The Deadline For Ordering Through Our Online Portal Is Wednesday, October 2, 2024, AT 2:00 PM; ANY ORDERS PLACED AFTER 10/02/2024, 2:00PM WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
Si w ta renmen voye yon aranjman flè nan sèvis k ap fèt vandredi 4 oktòb 2024 la, tanpri konnen dat limit pou kòmande atravè pòtal nou an se Mèkredi 2 oktòb 2024, A 2:00 PM; NENPÒT LÒD KI METE APRÈ 10/02/2024, 2:00PM PAP PWOSESE.
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