Philippe Lamothe

Philippe Lamothe born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on December 15, 1934 was granted his angel wings on May 25, 2025 after a long and fulfilling life. He was the second born child of the late Victor Lamothe and Lucia Hilaire. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Solange Lamothe nee Desrosiers; daughter Nadjie Lamothe Berhanu, spouse Samuel Berhanu and grandchild Alexander P Berhanu, daughter Jessie Lamothe and grandchild Jacob J Azard, son Freud Lamothe and grandchildren: Mikayla Espinoza and Isaac Lamothe.

At an early age he displayed a passion for learning. He would spend countless hours reading anything that he could get his hands on and also tutor kids in his neighborhood. At the age of 15 he taught himself how to cut hair so he could help provide for his family when his father was suddenly laid off all while attending Lycée Toussaint Louverture. After he graduated, he along with his brothers decided to open a primary school, named Saint Martin De Porres, in the capital of Port-au-Prince to help educate underserved children in the community. The school remained in operation for 30 plus years which he left in the care of his predeceased sister Irma Gai Lamothe.

On May 25, 1963 he was out for a walk when he noticed a young lady sitting on a bench who appeared to have been crying. He approached her and asked her why she was so upset. She told him that she had just lost her father and felt very much alone. He then introduced himself and very boldly told her that from this day on she would never be alone and he would be by her side forever. They got married on March 25, 1967, just the two of them, at the courthouse. Their courtship began that day on May 25, 1963 until he took his last breath on May 25, 2025. They were together for 62 years and married 58 years. Their dedication to one another was unmatched.

In June 1967, he immigrated to the U.S full of optimism and a clear vision of what he wanted to accomplish not only for his family back in Haiti but also the family yet to be. He worked at Chromalloy an engineering and manufacturing company in upstate New York that serviced various airlines for more than 20 years alongside his brothers. His ultimate plan was to become a business owner and build his dream house in his beloved Haiti, to one day retire with his wife whom he affectionately called “Solo.” He would take night classes at the School of Dry-cleaning Technology to learn the skills from basic cleaning to advanced dry-cleaning, wet cleaning etc.… He remained determined and focused and was able to build his dream house and opened two dry cleaning services.

Philippe will be remembered as a man of integrity, dedication, kindness, wisdom, love of learning, music and love for his family. He leaves precious and fond memories on the hearts of many. Siblings: Pre-deceased brother Jacques Lamothe, spouse Phita Lamothe children: Yanick Lamothe, Lucienne Lamothe and Mario Lamothe. Brother Ducoste Lamothe spouse Anaise Lamothe, children: Sherley Lamothe, and Ducoste Jr. Lamothe, pre-deceased sister Irma Gai Lamothe, children: Bob Gai, France Gai, and Peter Gai. Sister Jeannette Labissiere Lamothe, children Ludger Labissiere and Laurie Labissiere. Sister Hortensia Lamothe Jeannot, children pre-deceased Kissinger Jeannot and Nancy Brown: His cousin Eva Lamothe and her family. Great nieces and nephews: Nikki Lamothe, Dominique J. Horard, Victoria S. Horard, Sebastian Henley Volcy, Greyson Lamothe, Luke Labissiere, Gabriel Labissiere, Chanel Brown, Clerrma Romeus, Caleb Gai, Clay-Lynn Casseus, Clea Gai, Aiden Gai. Sister-in-law Marie-Lourdes Jean, spouse Carlo Jean. Brothers-in Law: Frantz Desrosiers and Jacques Desrosiers. Other nieces and nephews: Alberte Duperval, Valery Jean, Carla Jean, Jenny Jean Marinelli, Stephanie Stern, Caylen Jean, Chiara Jean, Elijah Jean, Aliyah Rodriguez, Gianvito Marinelli and Gabriel Stern. Close Family and Friends: Mireille and Eddy Petit, Claudette Guillaume, Jean-Rene Delsoin, Jude Azard, Jacques Milien, Jocelyn Louis Borgella, Katianna Mazard, Fritz Guillaume, Gishna Warren, Marlene Saint Germain, Thaina, and Rose.

We would like to thank our family and friends for all of their support in the last few months. The endless prayers, phone calls, text messages, and travel to visit him were much appreciated. He felt the love.