Joseph Willy Valentin

Joseph Willy Valentin was born on October 28, 1939, in Jérémie, Haiti, to the late Saint Juste Valentin and Louisenise Saint Louis. He was the third of nine children and was raised in his hometown of Jérémie before later relocating to the United States.

Though raised in the Catholic faith, Willy gave his life to Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bellevue, Haiti. His faith was central to his life. He loved the church deeply, was passionate about sharing the gospel, and found great joy in leading others to Christ. As a testament to his devotion, Willy proudly funded the construction of a new church temple for the Bellevue Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In his early thirties, Willy met the love of his life, Rosa Hilna Joseph. After several years of friendship, they were united in marriage in 1973 and shared 49 years of love, partnership, and commitment. Their union was blessed with five children: Gaetan, Jean Bossuet, Pierre Nassal, Eda, and Willine.

Affectionately known as "Boss Willy," he earned this nickname through his strong work ethic, ambition, and unwavering commitment to providing for his family. From a young age, he displayed determination and skill, and in Jérémie he was recognized as a talented horseman who trained wild horses. A skilled shoemaker by trade, Willy was admired for his craftsmanship-dyeing leather and handcrafting shoes, often making them himself for his children. Together with his wife Rosa, a talented seamstress, they built a life grounded in hard work, resilience, and deep devotion to family.

In 1980, Rosa immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, Illinois, with the goal of creating better opportunities for their family. For two years, she worked tirelessly to bring her family together while Willy remained in Haiti caring for their children. In 1981, Willy joined his wife in Chicago, where he later worked at Homak Manufacturing until his retirement.

Willy was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle. He remained deeply connected to his family in Haiti and worked diligently to support them. Willy was a natural entrepreneur -while living in Chicago he established multiple businesses in Haiti, including an ice distribution business, a taxi service, and a bakery. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to supporting both his immediate and extended family and most recently he was overjoyed to help sponsor several nieces and nephews to come to the United States-an accomplishment that brought him immense pride and fulfillment.

A faithful and active member of Bethlehem French Seventh-day Adventist Church, Willy served as a deacon and considered the church his extended family. His favorite Bible passage was Psalm 23, and he found comfort and joy in the hymn "Ne Crains Rien!" (#522), which reflected his unwavering faith.

Willy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosa Valentin, who passed on October 28, 2022. Brennus Valentin (brother), Merielle Valentin (sister), Valentine Valentin (sister), and George Valentin (brother).

Willy is survived by his five children: Gaetan (Maria) Valentin, Jean Bossuet Valentin, Pierre Nassal (Timika) Valentin, Eda Valentin, and Willine Valentin, eight grandchildren-Isabela, Jean-Pierre, Reika, Adriana, KJ (Kenneth), MaKayla, Sophia Rose, and Gabrielle Pia and one great-grandchild, Nina Corinne.

He leaves to cherish is memory his siblings Adrienne Valentin (91, Haiti), Omanise Valentin (84, Haiti), Dominique Valentin (78, Haiti), and Yannick Valentin (76, Haiti) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.