Max Joseph

Max Joseph—lovingly known as Jo and DaddyMax—was born on August 14, 1942, in Savanette, Haiti, to Lamercie Lefèvre and Terajeune Joseph. He was the youngest of five siblings: Immaculé, Elise, Devese, and Arsène Laventure, all of whom preceded him in death. Max completed his primary education at Smith Duplessis School and his secondary education at Lycée Firmin, both in Port-au-Prince. On June 27, 1968, he graduated from École Normale Rurale and subsequently became an instructor at the same institution.

In 1970, Max immigrated to the United States, settling with family in New York City. Dedicated to his education, he enrolled in a specialized program and graduated in Diesel Engines on June 30, 1971. He later moved to Jersey City, where he worked as a security guard at Christ Hospital. It was in Jersey City that he reunited with a childhood friend, Mr. Abner Celestin. The Celestin family embraced Max as one of their own and eventually introduced him to his future wife, Gertha Chery. The couple married on July 11, 1981, at The First Baptist Church in Jersey City.

After living in Jersey City for several years, the couple purchased a home in Irvington, NJ, in 1986. Following the move, Max began a long career with the United States Postal Service in Newark, where he worked until his retirement.

Max was a man of many passions. He had a talent for restoring old Volkswagen Beetles to sell, and a deep love for classical music. His extensive record collection led him to DJ many weddings for family and friends, including that of the late artist Vilaire Pierre. Later in life, curiosity led him back to the classroom to study computers at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

Raised in a Christian home, Max saw his journey of faith move through many seasons before coming full circle in his final years. After suffering several strokes that resulted in long-term disability, Max required constant care at a skilled nursing facility. As his illness progressed, his faith became more personal; he found peace through private prayer and the conversations he shared with Reverend Nazaire and his wife. Max was a resident of Alaris Health at West Orange until he passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 21, 2026.

Max is survived by his wife, Gertha Joseph; his daughters, Marie Julice Joseph and Laurie Lamarre; and his grandchildren, Alysha Paul Pierre and Michael Oscar Louis. He also leaves behind his goddaughter, Lynn Celestin-Antonin; his sister-in-law, Sonia Laventure, as well as many nieces and nephews: Jimmy, Judith, Mona, Rony, Natalie, Paula, Melissa, Maule, Vanda, and Mrs. Wesley Laventure. He is also remembered by his cousins, Mrs. Jacques Lefèvre, Mrs. Marie Carmelle Rigaud, and Ms. Kareen Brun. He will be deeply missed by the countless friends and neighbors whose lives were made brighter by his generosity.

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