Rosalva "BoBo" Jean-Baptiste

Rosalva "BoBo" Jean-Baptiste, 86 of Worcester and formerly of Haiti. In August of 2008, Bobo suffered from an aneurism in which he never fully recovered. He spent two years fighting with grace and peace until he passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 in UMASS Hospital. Bobo's first wife of 35 years, Antoinette passed away in 1986. Bobo leaves his beloved wife of fifteen years, Leonie (Toussiant) Jean-Baptiste; four sons, Attorney Lionel Jean-Baptiste and his wife Lenore of Chicago, IL, Paul Jean-Baptiste and his wife Sandra of Worcester, Edwige Jean-Baptiste and his wife Joann of Shrewsbury and Jean-Daniel Jean-Baptiste of Philadelphia, PA; eight daughters, Jislene Jean-Baptiste of Haiti, Kettely Jacques Jean-Baptiste and Marie Florence Piverger and her husband Harold all of Holden, Marie Suze Nau and her husband Lesly of Philadelphia, PA, Rose Morene Asare and her husband Bill of Houston, TX, Gady St. Fleur and her husband Larousse of Miami Beach, FL, Nedjine and Monicka Jean-Baptiste both of Worcester; one step-daughter, Dachiella Eyma of Boston; twenty two grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three brothers, Thamas, Dilis and Odva Jean-Baptiste and two sisters, Yvette Lolo and Ruth Prevot. BoBo was born on August 16, 1924 in Jacmal, Haiti, a son of the late Dumas and Plantinette (Plantin) Jean-Baptiste. At an early age he started his studies in Jacmel. He later moved to Port au Prince in the 1940's and graduated from high school there. BoBo attended a Military School in Haiti and at a very young age he entered the Haitian Army where he served as a Captain for thirty two years before retiring in 1981. BoBo was a strong member of the "Cite Military Community." He lived for almost 50 years and the entire youth of his neighborhood use to think of him as a most severe guy, which come to find out that wasn't true once they got to know him. He moved to the United States in 1995, becoming a citizen and has been here even since. BoBo was a member and the Treasurer of the Evangelical First Haitian Church of Worcester. He loved to play solitaire, bingo and enjoyed being with friends and family. He was very involved in the education of his children and took great pride in their accomplishments. BoBo was a cheerleader of all his grandchildren and never missed a graduation. BoBo's services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 9:00 am in the Evangelical First Haitian Church of Worcester, 60 Ellsworth St., Worcester. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, December 3rd from 5-8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Rosalva Jean-Baptiste Fund, c/o Bank of America, 91 West Boylston St., W. Boylston, MA 01583.