Antoine S. Cherenfant

Antoine Salnave Cherenfant was born on August 5th, 1938, in Haut du Cap, Haiti of Lamar Cherenfant and Constance Guillaume both deceased. He was the 7th of 8th children of Lamar and Constance. Jacques Cherenfant (deceased), Phebus Cherenfant (deceased),Herta Charles (deceased),Claude Cherenfant ,Monfort Cherenfant (deceased),Therese Cherenfant (deceased), and Marie Mercie Vivens. He went to primary school at Chez Les Freres au- Cap Haitian, then Lycée Philippe Guerrier High school. He completed his undergraduate studies at Roxbury Community College. He met his wife Monique Jacques in 1965 and they married in January of 1970.  God blessed them with their first child Nadine. He emigrated to United States in 1971 where he stayed with his siblings in Brooklyn NY.  Two years later, their first son MacArthur was born, 3 years later came the last-born Kenley. Several years later, they would become a full family unit, when they reunited with their first-born, Nadine in Boston, MA.

Antoine emphasized education, and strong work ethics for his children. His favorite saying was “Knowledge is power”.  He was a man of faith, a father and a family man. He loved his siblings, numerous nephews and nieces. He took charge and was the proxy for many of his siblings and their children. He loved God primarily and cared deeply for his church where he served for many years on the Finance committee, he was a deacon, van driver and a pioneer member at First Haitian Baptist in Worcester, MA.  In 2007 when he moved to Orlando, he followed similar footsteps at FHBCO, his current church.

To my siblings and me, he was dad. For many, he was Salnave, uncle, Tony, Yoyo, Tonton, Cherenfant, Grandpa, pappy Fanfan. My dad was called by many names as he wore various hats not only in our family, but in the community he served. He was strict, expected the best from all of us, but we never doubted his love. Antoine was a multi-faceted man.  He loved playing tennis, the guitar and was a formidable cook. Punctual to a T, he would be found pacing if we were running late for work, church or dinner. Words cannot do justice to describe the giant/patriarch that he was to our family. If you were to speak to any one of us on who Antoine is, we would all have a story to share, from how he would cook homemade meals for our dog King, to helping people translate official papers for immigration, to teaching us how to swim or drive, the list could go on.

When Antoine became sick last year, it was a shock to our family as we always saw him as a strong man, but dad never complained.  It was a difficult time for all of us as his children and family as we were physically away from him. God in his providence, placed Carthia, a niece and adoptive daughter to be with him and to be our eyes/feet in Orlando. She was a priceless gift to us, our beloved dad and mom. We are beyond grateful that God allowed Carthia to be there for both of them.

Though there were many difficult days, most recently and at various times in his life; his faith in God remained unshaken/unmovable. He trusted God completely and would encourage that we stayed firm in the faith. He spoke about God with an awe that could transport you from what was visible. He has left a legacy and has passed the baton to those he left behind, which is to follow God, love your family, and help those you can. He will be missed as he played such a pivotal part in all our lives whowere blessed to know him. We are comforted to know he is reunited with his heavenly father and savior.

Antoine Salnave is survived by his loving wife, Monique, his daughter Nadine and Wilbert (her husband), granddaughters Olivia Monique Colas, and Lorraine Isabela Colas; his son MacArthur and Menrika (his wife), and his grandson Marc Louis Cherenfant; His son Kenley and Jerrell (his wife) and his grandchildren KJ Cherenfant and Kyla Cherenfant; Adoptive Daughter Cathia Joachim, Hector (her Husband)

Grandchildren - AJ and Zahra; his sister Marie Mercie Vivens, her children Nadege Seide-McRae, Natasha Seide-Laurent and their families; Older brother Claude Cherenfant, his children Elsie, Gary, Sergo, Margareth, Jasmine, Claude, Anne-Claude and their families; His nephew Erol Cherenfant and Family; his nephew Guy and family. His loving Sister-in-law Huguette Etienne and Nicolas (her husband) and family; His brother-in-law Ambroise Jacques and Leone (his wife) and family; His many close friends and relatives who were dear to him.