Vital Anilus

Vital Anilus, affectionately known as “Daddy,” was born on November 8, 1944, in the quaint town of Papeau in Commune Cazeau, Haiti to his father, Annibal Anilus and mother, Vernelie Descaly. Raised in a close-knit family, he cherished his childhood memories of growing up in Haiti.

He attended primary school at École Nationale d' Application de Damien, secondary at Lycée Alexandre-Pétion and University at École Normale d' Instituteurs de Damien where he received his degree in Education. He would become a teacher and later a principal.

In 1967, he would meet Rose Marie Losier. It was during this time, their bond grew over shared dreams, laughter, and a deep, abiding respect for one another. In 1974, Vital immigrated to Kenilworth, NJ and found a job at Watson Metal as a machine operator. Soon after in 1978, Rose Marie would join him, and their relationship blossomed. In the same year, they were united in marriage — a partnership built on love, friendship, and unwavering support. That following year in 1979, they would have their first son, Valery, and two years later, they would be blessed with another son, Rovinel. Together, they built a life full of cherished memories, weathering life’s storms with resilience.

In 1980, He worked for Shulton Old Spice for the next 10 years until its relocation. In 1990, he proudly launched his career as an owner-operator taxi driver at Newark Airport, a role that perfectly reflected his outgoing nature and deep love for connecting with people, until his retirement in 2017. He lived a life defined by kindness, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to those around him. Behind the wheel, Vital did more than just drive. He listened, comforted, laughed, and sometimes even offered a few words of wisdom to passengers from all walks of life. During this time, he saw the need for taxi drivers to be united and uplift each other. So, with the support of other like-minded drivers, they would start the Newark Cab Association, which would provide help and support to other drivers in need. He would serve as there first president.  The title of “President” would as serve as his nickname and call-sign in the driver community.

Vital had a genuine gift for helping and supporting anyone in need, always offering his kindness without ever expecting anything in return. He believed in doing good simply because it was right. His heart was open, and he embraced people’s differences with patience, understanding, and deep respect. His greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his devoted wife of 47 years, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a pillar of strength and wisdom, offering guidance and support through life’s triumphs and challenges.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Marie Anilus, his sons Valery and his wife Danny Anilus and Rovinel and his wife Taina Anilus; grandchildren Valerie, Victoria, and Sebastian Anilus; sister Eveline Destine and Penelope Anilus; brothers Hitler and Jean Rene Anilus.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Yolande Etienne (née Anilus), Antonene Anilus, and Eloise Matthieu (née Anilus) brothers Racine and Ferninand Anilus.

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