Richard Etienne

Love lives on forever

in each memory and thought

Of the special ones

who meant so much

and the happiness they brought

Love lives on forever

It will never fade away,

For, in our hearts, our loved ones

Are with us every day.

Richard Etienne was born on March 19, 1958 in Port au Prince, Haiti to parents Antoine and Melicia Etienne. He was the youngest of 5 children, Marie-Carolle, Mireille, Marie-Maude, Antoine Jr. 

Richard Etienne attended Center of St. Francois in Delmas, Haiti for elementary school. At the age of 16 he came to the United States and attended Arasmus High School. He then went to NY Technical College. After graduating college with a bachelor’s degree, he worked on wall street with several titles and positions and finished his career working at Citigroup as Vice President working in Global Structuring, Depository Receipt Services, and a Capital markets services specialist. He was innovative, a problem solver, and a mentor to many people in the same industry. He was a valuable member of his team where he was loved and admired. He was simply a pioneer in his industry. 

Richard was a caring and loving husband to his wife of 36 years, Florence Etienne. He was a compassionate and giving father to his two children, Elizabeth and Richard Etienne Jr. 

Richard was loving, humble, sociable, well rounded, educated, thoughtful, and hardworking family man. The way he carried himself in the privacy of his home or out in public, was always indescribable. He took pleasure in being able to command a room with his attire and he knew how to make an entrance wherever he went. His jovial nature was contagious and something his family and friends frequently experienced. His smile and joyous laugh permeated wherever he was, which always made others feel comfortable and welcomed. 

After the love he had for his family and friends, was his love for his country, Haiti. From everything from collecting beautiful Haitian art, listening and dancing to classic Haitian music, and enjoying authentic Haitian cuisine, it was evident he had an overall admiration and passion for the Haitian culture. To know him was to have a clear understanding of the pride he felt being Haitian, crediting his country for the values instilled in him and making him the man, father and husband, friend he had become. 

Again, his love of his country comes after the love for the people in his life. Without question, his truest passion was his family and loved ones. He enjoyed not only the quality time spent with them, but he found interest in what intrigued them as individuals, often helping them build on their passions. He always made himself available to others. He had a gift in his ability to genuinely be able to listen to others, lending an ear to whomever needed it. Whether it was discussing cars, clothes, business…absolutely anything you had on your mind, he was there with his ear and phone at hand. Most importantly, he motivated others to push and reach for their goals and live for the moment as he loved to do. 

His family would like to thank St. Martha’s Church for their support. They would also like to share their gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. The absence of this amazing individual will be extremely missed.

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