It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Yonel Nelson on March 27, 2025. Yonel was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Yonel’s faith in God, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew him. Yonel was also a visionary who shaped the lives of not only his close friends and family but his country, his church, and his entire community.
Yonel was born on June 2, 1945, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Julienne Valeus and Mercius Nelson. He was the youngest of Julienne’s children; she cherished and lovingly spoiled him as the youngest son. Yonel began working at the age of 13 in the construction industry. His skill and hard work allowed him to rise through the ranks, and he became a master mason, helping to build many structures in Haiti including the international airport in Port-au-Prince. He was known for his business acumen, dedication, strength, and leadership on the job, always willing to get his hands dirty and lead by example.
Yonel met Yollande Sainristil at 16 and knew God created them to be together. Over 52 years of marriage, they built a life filled with love, dedication, and hard work, raising eight children. Yonel dreamed of a better future for his family and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. After multiple attempts to migrate to the U.S., he sent Yollande ahead in 1981 while he stayed in Haiti with their children. In 1983, they reunited in New York and began a new life together. Driven by his desire to give his children a brighter future, Yonel worked relentlessly and, in 1986, successfully brought them all to America.
In addition to being a hardworking man, Yonel was known for his strong will, perseverance, and his desire to see his family succeed. Though he was a man of few words and often in a hurry, his actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. He taught his children the values of hard work, selflessness, and the importance of family and God. Throughout his life, Yonel placed others before himself, ensuring that his family and community was always cared for. After working tirelessly to earn a living for his family, Yonel often spent countless hours repairing his church as well as making himself available to repair the homes of people in his community.
In his later years, Yonel faced the challenge of Alzheimer’s disease, a battle he fought with the same determination he showed throughout his life. As his health declined, his family became his protectors, just as he had always been their protector.
Yonel is survived by his loving wife, Yollande Saintristil Nelson, their 8 children: Kenel , Magalie, Fritzner, Magdala, Jean David, Marie France, Stephanie, and Jessica and his grandchildren: Aaron, Aiden, Rebeca, Avery, Adonai, Jeremy Charles, Jolie Charles, Yonel H., Yurie, Yanai, Yarah, Maverick Lawrence, and Emory Lawrence. He is also survived by his siblings: Marie Alourdes Charlemagne, Filius Nelson, Marie Eve Saint Surin, Claude Nelson, and Esthere Nelson, and countless nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julienne Valeus and Mercius Nelson, and siblings: Klebert, Frederick, Monac, David , Josianne Jean Nelson.
Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Yonel’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Yonel will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
