Claudel Nelson

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 3:40 PM EST, a vibrant thread was tenderly lifted from our fabric as Claudel Nelson departed this earthly realm at CareWell Health Medical Center in East Orange, New Jersey. Born on October 15, 1953, in Saint-Marc, Haiti, to the loving arms of Françoise Nelson and Stuart Cherubin, Claudel's journey was one of profound love, melody, and the kind of joy that lights up the darkest rooms.

Claudel, a cherished soul, was a beacon of light in the lives of many— a devoted companion to Marie Madeleine Vilsaint, a proud father to Marie Cherubin Joseph, Hermione Cherubin, and Claudelle Nelson, and a doting grandfather to Herdine, Mickael, Amara, and Ariane. His legacy extends through his siblings Myrtho, Maymone, Eveline, Marie Junie, Carole, Margareth, Roosvelt, Descharles, and Claude, and a constellation of nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched with kindness and warmth.

Claudel's early years were marked by the vibrancy of Saint-Marc, where he attended primary school at Frère Hervé and Armand Thoby, before moving to Port-au-Prince for secondary education at Clovis Bonhomme, eventually returning to Saint-Marc at Centre d’Etudes Classiques. Upon graduating, Claudel joined the family business in Pont Tambou, crafting Clairin, a spirit cherished by many, a testament to his dedication to family and community.

However, Claudel's heart was truly set ablaze by music. As a singer for Diable du Rythme, Africana, and Les Virtuoses de Saint-Marc, his voice transcended boundaries, singing in French, Haitian Creole, and Spanish. His talent was so profound that he was invited to sing for Septentrional, a testament to his remarkable gift, though he remained true to his roots, guided by his father's wishes.

Through this journey, Claudel's spirit never wavered; his love for poker and knack for humor became the hallmark of gatherings, bringing light and laughter to those around him. In the 1980s, he embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States. He spent a decade in Florida before calling New Jersey his home in 2000.

As we bid farewell to Claudel, we do so with heavy hearts yet grateful spirits. Grateful for the time we shared, for the memories we hold dear, and for the love that binds us beyond the veil of mortality. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts, his laughter will continue to lighten our burdens, and his love will always remind us of the strength and beauty of family.

Dear Latierra, you were a beacon of joy and a boundless source of love. Your melody lingers on. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten, as your spirit lives on in each of us, guiding, inspiring, and reminding us of the beauty of each moment shared under the sun.

Viewing on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo's Church, Irvington.

Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange, NJ.