Rev. Paul Saintil

Rev. Paul Saintil was a warm, charismatic, and dedicated husband and    father.  He is remembered in the community for his passion for music, his bright smile, and his charm.  He was a singer, musician, and a true man of God. Rev. Saintil was born on March 15, 1956 to Elianis Dupas Saintil and Emonthene Saintil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  He was the second born of four siblings: Wilfrid Dupont, Samuel, Jocelyn, and Rachelle. Much like his older brother and siblings, he had a great love for music. Paul loved singing and enjoyed playing many instruments. While in Haiti he co-founded, played, and sang for several musical groups         including Christian band – “Les 12 Apôtres.”

            Rev. Saintil emigrated to the United States in 1984 where he lived in East   Orange, New Jersey with his brother, Rev. Wilfred Dupont for a short time.  It was during this time, while traveling with Rev. Dupont’s church to the Church of God in Asbury Park (Rev. Kenel Saint-Vil), he met a lovely young woman named Viona Marcelin. Paul commented to first lady Mrs. Saint-Vil, “Ou wè li? Kenbe’l pou mwen. Mwen pral retounen pou li lè mwen pare (You see her? Hold her for me, I will come back for her when I’m ready).”  A short time later, they courted and were married on November 9, 1985.

           Paul and Viona settled in Asbury Park, NJ where they welcomed their first two       children before moving to Neptune.  Together they have five children: Israel, Jean Paul, Moses, Sarah, and Joshua.  Rev. Paul Saintil believed in a strong relationship with God, foundations of good education and together with his wife, worked hard to help cultivate that relationship and to help provide vision and direction for their    children. While doing so, they also worked tirelessly for the Haitian community though a series of programs, outreach, and service.

        In 1996, they founded “An Rete Ansam” (Let’s Stay Together), a local, weekly radio program where they would receive prayer requests, share the word of God, and provide a platform where Haitian businesses could network.  Shortly after, Rev. Paul and Viona Saintil where called to ministry and founded their beloved Church of God Tabernacle of Christ.  Through their ministry, they have touched many lives through prayer, mentorship, and counseling.  They became ordained ministers at Eastern Bible Institute in Irvington, NJ.  He is remembered in his church as a wonderful leader and warm soul who loved to sing and play the bass.

           On November 23, 2017 Rev. Paul Saintil suffered a massive stroke which left him weakened.  After some time, he was able to return home.  He was still heard singing, waving his hand and thanking God. On January 15, 2018 Rev. Saintil was called to glory in his home while in the arms of his wife.  He now resides with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as with his mother, father, and older brother.

         Reverend Paul Saintil is survived by His Beloved Wife: Viona Saintil; His     Children: Gesthane Saintil, Joanne Valerie Saintil, Dr. Israel Saintil, Jean Paul Saintil, Moses Saintil, Sarah Saintil, and Joshua Saintil; His Sister and Brother: Rachelle Telfort (Jean Telfort), Samuel Saintil; His Nieces: Rosesharon Yearty (Leonard Yearty); Ruth, Rebecca, and Rachel Telfort; Esther and Abigail Saintil; His Nephews: Benjamin (Kiashi) and JeanTelford; His Great Niece and Nephews: Victoria, Nathaniel, and Carter Yearty.

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