Siteau Saintilme

We are gathered here today not only to mourn, but to honor the extraordinary life of Siteau Saintilme, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, veteran, and friend. To most of us, he wasn't just Siteau. He was known to us as Andre, Ti Andre, Papi, Papi Siteau, and to most of us, the greatest title of all, Grandpa. A title he wore with pride, with purpose, and with so much love. Grandpa was born on September 13, 1947, in Jacmel, Haiti, to his parents Jeanne Joseph and Philip Andre Saintilme. He was the youngest of three siblings, Hermite, Cantave and Clairvanna, and the last one alive among them, carrying their memory and legacy until his final days. He had two children, Renaud and Mirlande, who he showered with both tough love and tenderness. He grew up in a time and place that demanded resilience, and that's exactly what he carried with him all his life - a quiet strength, a deep faith, and a heart committed to service. In the year of 1973, in his early 20s, Grandpa joined the Haitian Marine, where he proudly rose to the rank of Captain. It was in those years that the foundation of his discipline, leadership, and protective nature was set. And if you knew him – truly knew him – you know that those qualities never left. He didn't need to speak loudly to command a room. He led with grace, intention, and wisdom that came from experience. While serving in the Marine, a friend introduced him to the idea of coming to America - a chance at a new opportunity, a new beginning. He followed that path with courage, eventually immigrating to the United States in 1981, where he would go on to build a new life. He earned his CDL license and worked for years as a school bus driver, safely delivering generations of children to their destinations. But Grandpa wasn't just driving buses, he was driving forward a legacy of sacrifice, purpose, and provision. Faith was never just a part of Grandpa's life - it was his life. He began preaching the Word of God in his late 20s with fire, clarity, and compassion. In 1994, he was officially recognized as an Evangelist, boldly proclaiming the Gospel across churches and communities. In 2006, he was ordained as a Deacon, deepening his call to serve. And finally, in 2016, he was elevated to the role of Reverend, a title that honored the decades he had already spent nurturing souls, delivering powerful sermons, and leading with quiet wisdom. Even now, adults still speak of the unforgettable impact of his sermons from the late '80s and '90s - words that planted seeds of faith in their lives and continue to guide them today. His favorite scriptures - Psalm 34:8 ("Taste and see that the Lord is good") and Romans 8:1 ("There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus") - were more than verses; they were reflections of how he lived and loved. In 1983, Grandpa met a beautiful woman who would later become his life partner - Marie Edith Gedeon, who we know as Edith Saintilme. Two years later, on April 20, 1985, they were married - and their union was a testimony of patience, prayer, and deep mutual respect. Together, they created a family and home that stood firmly on the Word of God and the power of love. And as a grandfather to eight beautiful grandchildren - Jemima, Diana, Kendra, Damien, Joshua, Jeremiah, Monisha, and Rebecca, he was our constant. Our safe space. Our wise counselor. The one who could make us laugh without even trying. Now let me say this: Papi Siteau was very funny. Not loud or wild - but slick, smooth, the kind of funny that crept up on you mid-conversation and left you smiling for hours. He had a way of lightening even the heaviest moments. And though he carried the toughness of a veteran, beneath it all was the softest heart. He loved deeply. He cared endlessly. And no matter what - he showed up. For all of us. Grandpa was also deeply sensitive, especially when it came to his family. Behind his veteran's strength was a man who loved hard and showed up no matter what. If you needed him, he was there - without hesitation, without question. Whether it was advice, prayer, or simply his presence, he gave it freely, and with love. He never ended a conversation without saying "I love you." That was one of the things we cherished most. He was also survived by his nephews and niece who were like his own children - Arnold, Jude, Ernst, Camson, Erna, etc. He was especially close to Arnold, who was like a second son to him - always there for doctors' visits, birthdays, rides, or just their daily phone calls. Jude, though living far away in a different country, maintained a deep bond with Grandpa. Their love and communication never faded, even across the miles. He was not a rich man but he was rich in Love, He was real, and he was ours. He taught us lessons we didn't even know we were learning at the time. About faith. About perseverance. About showing up when it matters. About being strong but never losing your softness. Today, he leaves behind a legacy that can't be measured in titles or possessions. He leaves behind something greater - a name that carries honor, a family rooted in faith, and a love that will echo for generations to come. He is survived by his loving wife Edith, his children Renaud and Mirlande, and the eight grandchildren who will carry his name and his spirit forward. In each of us, he planted seeds - of strength, of joy, of integrity. And those seeds will bloom, because of who he was. So today, though our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve without hope. Because we know that Grandpa is resting now, in the presence of the God he served so faithfully. His mission is complete. His crown is won. Thank you, Grandpa, for every sacrifice, every hug, every joke, every prayer. We will never forget you. We will never stop loving you. And we will carry your light in everything we do. Nou renmen ou anpil, e nap toujou sonje ou We love you forever, and we’ll carry you in every step we take. Rest well, Captain. Your mission is complete.

Tributes

Siteau Saintilme

September 15, 1951 - July 25, 2025