Yonel Jacquet, affectionately known as “Babou,” passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 76, surrounded by his beloved children. He was a cherished son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather.
Born on September 29, 1947, in Aquin, Haiti, Yonel was the son of Lexilien Jacquet and Saincia Geffrard. He received his primary and secondary education in Aquin and furthered his studies in automotive mechanics at Ecole Professionnelle JB Damier in Port-au-Prince.
Yonel met Raymonde Jacquet (Fidelis) through their shared involvement in the youth ministry at the Assemblée de Dieu (Assembly of God) in Delma, where they both served as Sunday school teachers. They married on August 14, 1982. Yonel immigrated to the United States by way of French Guiana in November 1982, settling in Boston, Massachusetts, with Raymonde joining him shortly thereafter. They became devoted members of the First Haitian Baptist Church of Boston.
Together, Yonel and Raymonde welcomed four children into their lives: Jean-Pierre Ronny Jacquet, born in 1982; Joanne Jacquet Araujo, born in 1986; Fedna Laure Jacquet Tjosvold, born in 1988; and David James Daily Jacquet, born in 1993. They purchased their first home in Everett in 1997, where they proudly raised their children. Yonel was an extremely proud father and took every opportunity to share his children’s accomplishments with whomever would listen.
Yonel continued his education in automotive mechanics at Wentworth College, and became a Boston cab driver for many years to support his family. His pursuit of knowledge led him to obtain his CDL Class D truck driver’s license, eventually retiring as a Boston Public School Bus Driver.
Yonel is survived by his four children: Jean-Pierre, his wife Mary Breda, and their children Mary Ann, Margaret, Jean-Pierre Jr., and Claire; Joanne, her husband Alcy, and their children Lucas and Caleb; Fedna, her husband Wesley, and their child Leo; and David. He is also remembered by his siblings: Merceda; Jocelyn and his wife Josette; Marie Michelle; Jeanine; Ermanest; Daniel; Sylvain; and the late Renel, Genet, his wife Jeanne, and Frisco. He leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends whom he all loved and dearly cherished.
Yonel will be missed by many. We find comfort in knowing that Yonel loved the Lord and is now at peace. We share in the beautiful memories we have of him and will honor his place in our hearts until we meet again.
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing hour on Saturday September 14, 2024 from 8:30-9:30 AM followed by a Religious Service from 9:30-11 AM in the First Haitian Baptist Church of Boston, 397 Blue Hill Ave Dorchester, MA. Entombment will be in St. Michael Cemetery, 500 Canterbury Street, Roslindale, MA.