Obituary of Jean Gervais

Jean Marie Gervais passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, warmth, and a profound dedication to his family.

Jean Marie Gervais was born on November 30, 1942, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to the late Orcerna Gervais and Philomena Mystal. He grew up in Port-au-Prince and received his secondary education through the local educational system. In 1967, he immigrated to the United States and pursued higher education, earning his degree in chemistry from Essex County College in Newark, NJ. Jean built a distinguished career in the chemical industry, working for several chemical plants throughout the years. His final role in this field was as a chemist at Novus Chemicals, where he dedicated more than a decade of service until the company closed its local operations and relocated to India. Following his retirement, Jean embraced a new challenge and became a bus driver for AllStar, a local bus company in Paterson, NJ. Throughout his life, Jean experienced love in its many forms, each chapter marked by deep personal commitment and the joy of raising a diverse and loving family.

He was blessed to have been married more than once, with each union enriching his life and bringing the gift of children. Jean is survived by his beloved children from different stages of his journey: Marie Claude Gervais, Jean Marie Gervais Waddell, and Eric Gervais, as well as Kelly and Julian Gervais from his later marriage to Kim Jones-Gervais. His unwavering love for his children and the close bonds he nurtured with them remain a testament to his caring spirit. Jean was a man of great character—steadfast in his principles and generous in his affection. His life was a mosaic of experiences that not only shaped his own path but also profoundly influenced those around him. Whether through a kind word, a shared laugh, or his consistent support, Jean left an indelible mark on his friends, family, and the broader community.

He was predeceased by his devoted wife the late Kim Jones-Gervais. He is survived by his children: Marie (Guy) Claude Gervais of Montreal Canada; Jean Marie (Mitchell) Gervais Waddell of Newark, NJ; Eric Gervais of Rocky Mount, NC; Kelly Gervais of Haledon, NJ; and Julian Gervais of Haledon, NJ. Jean is also survived by his siblings: Edith Laborde of Ridgewood, NJ; Jacqueline Gervais of Aguascalientes, Mexico; Yves Gervais of Florida; Eric Gervais of Queens, NY; Maxime Gervais of Long Island, NY; and Pierre Richard Gervais of Long Island, NY. Jean leaves behind a cherished legacy in his grandchildren: Guillaume (Cendrine) Latreille, Camille (Matthieu) Latreille, Jérémie (Éliane), and Justine (Christian), all from Montreal, Canada; and Emir Alijah of Rocky Mount, NC. Jean will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, resilience, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to his family and friends.

Visiting will be at Mount Bethel Baptist  Church, 399 Broad Street, Ridgewood, NJ om Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 8-10 AM with a funeral service to follow at 10 am.  Entombment will be at Garden of Memories in the Township of Washington, NJ.