Rodrigue Lafontant

Rodrigue Lafontant was born to Nelio Lafontant and Allourdes Abellard in Anse a Veau, Haiti on January 2nd, 1935.  He was the oldest of four children. Rodrigue grew up and attended school in Haiti. Early on, he demonstrated a preference for creating and designing things with his hands. Following graduation from technical and trade school he was employed as an apprentice, learning how to lay tiles. He became particularly good at laying tiles and took great pride in the artistic works he created in his trade.

“By the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread” Genesis 3:19, had been Rodrigue’s philosophy for his entire life.  He eventually ventured out on his own as a contractor and hired others to work with him on major projects.

In 1997 Rodrigue migrated to the United States and joined his wife and the children living in suburban Washington DC on the Maryland side. He found work at Laurel Racetrack as an attendant and worked there until his retirement in 2015. As in his past trade, Rodrigue’s work ethics won him much praise and respect from his peers and supervisors. He loved his job at the Racetrack and was highly regarded by his peers and supervisors, who maintained a relationship with him until his death, evidence of how highly regarded he was as a member of the team.

Rodrigue was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Takoma Park, Maryland until his illness prevented him from attending church.  He was also an active member of the choir and participated in multiple committees within the church.

Rodrigue was preceded in death by both parents; his son Abens Lafontant (deceased), daughter  Flor Lafontant (deceased), two sisters, Gardiene Lafontant, and Clair Lafontant (deceased) and his former spouse Edith Aimee Lafontant, who was the mother of his children.  Rodrigue leaves behind his spouse, Olga Corian Lafontant, his sister Noela Lafontant, his children and their families: Ketlard Lafontant (Boursiquot), Rodelaine Lafontant (Estiven), Rodelaire Lafontant, Gina Lafontant (Cyrus) Martine Lafontant (Casimir), Delourdes Lafontant, Bonel Lafontant, Dorothee Lafontant (Joseph), Colbine Lafontant (Jusma), Regine Lafontant (Nelson) and Christina Lafontant (Bridgeforth); thirty six grandchildren, five great grandchildren; Godchild, Guerline Jn Louis;  a substantial number of nieces and nephews; his step children and families: Marie Carole (deceased), Margareth, Rose Magdala, Marie Flavienne and Olgine; seven step grandchildren and one step great grandchild.   We look forward to seeing him again when the dead in Christ rise for our eternal home in the new Heaven and Earth. We will all miss him greatly.