JeanCarlo Chatelain

On April 3, 1944 Jeancarlo Chatelain was born Jean Charles Carlo Lamothe in Gonaives, Haiti to Duly Lamothe and Circée Chatelain.  He was affectionately called “Carlo”.  He attended Institution St Louis de Gonzague and Lycee Pètionville School. where he learned French, Spanish, and some English as well.  As a young man in Haiti, he thoroughly enjoyed Haitian music and sports, especially, soccer.  He became a well-known radio personality, a tennis referee, and served as one of the coaches and founders of women’s soccer in Haiti.

In 1973, Carlo migrated to Brooklyn, NY and began a life with his wife Marie Michele.  Their union created five children: Carla, Isabel Circée, Sidney Patrick, Christopher, and Victoria.   Carlo was very hardworking. He worked several jobs while attending college. Carlo received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from John Jay College in NYC, where he was a host for the school’s radio station.  Shortly after college, he began a career in Real Estate.  And in 1985, began a 20 year career at the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), starting out as a token booth clerk and retiring in 2006 as a Track Engineer and team Shop Stewart/Union Delegate.

Carlo had a presence about him. He was the life of the party! He was well known for being a sharp dresser with a distinctive laugh, endless jokes and stories, great advice, and always willing to give a helping hand.  He was very forward thinking and outspoken.  He took pride in becoming a US citizen early on. He never missed an election, as he was always passionate about politics. When Carlo was there, he made sure all his children were registered voters and had their driver’s licenses by 18.  He wanted to ensure that they knew the importance of exercising their right to vote and that independence in being our own drivers.   He was also, adamant about his children knowing God and becoming positive and productive members of society. As such, he instilled the importance of Prayer, Love, Education, and great Work Ethic in them. 

Carlo was very innovative and a tech genius. He was into the internet and real estate investing in the early 90s. If a computer was broken, he’d fix it. But if he couldn’t fix it, he knew someone who could. But some of his children’s fondest memories of their dad, were spending endless hours at the beach.  Literally, from sunup to sundown.  He loved it, and gave them a love for it as well. 

In 1998, he survived a battle with Prostate Cancer and just four months later a tragic fire.  Carlo always said this was his second chance at life, that he “died already”. This defined the course of his life and how he spent the last two decades.  He said that God had given him a second chance at life, to be able to praise Him, live life to the fullest and on his terms. And he did.   Even while at the MTA, he’d travel south for the winter; a remedy for the side effects his body had while healing.  After his retirement, Carlo officially became a snowbird.  He frequently travelled back and forth between Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Florida, and New York.  He loved his retirement and thoroughly enjoyed traveling. While in Haiti, Carlo returned to Gonaives and lived in the country. He enjoyed organizing educational activities for children and providing a help hand and daily meals for those in need.

On Monday, February 1st, 2021, after a long battle with diabetes, God called His son home. JeanCarlo Chatelain is survived by his five children: Carla, Isabel Circée, Sidney Patrick, Christopher, and Victoria Chatelain, three grandchildren: Nathanael, Gabriella, and Tyler.  His elder sister Jacqueline Pressoir,  siblings from the Lamothe family, Brother In-law William Pressoir,  and several nieces and nephews, especially: Frantz Marion, Sandra Marion-Armstrong, Myriam Paul(Jacquelin), Frantz Pressoir (Syndie), Herby “Bilou” Pressoir, a host of great nieces and nephews, Godchildren, cousins, and friends.

Our father was a very complicated man.  But he was also a combination of kindness, laughter, love, and the great debate. Although, we will never be able to hear his voice or see his infectious smile again, he will remain in our hearts forever.  

Daddy, we will miss you and wish you safe travels on your journey home. 

A BIEN TOT Daddy.  May you rest in peace!

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