Haissa Philogene

Haissa Philogene, 65, passed away on December 30, 2024, at Wellington Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife, daughter, brother, sister-in-law, and childhood friend after courageously battling lung cancer. Affectionately known as "Bidja" or "Jean," Haissa was born in Limbe, Haiti, on April 26, 1959, to Anestase Philogene and Tancrede Toussaint. He was one of four children on his mother's side and one of seven on his father's side. Haissa completed his early schooling in Limbé and went on to attend high school at Collège Notre Dame in Cap-Haïtien. In the mid-1980s, Haissa immigrated to the United States, where he pursued higher education at The City College of New York (CCNY). There, he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. After internships with IBM and Bell Labs, Haissa relocated to Arlington, Virginia, to join the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Examiner—a role he dedicated himself to for nearly 32 years. Haissa's heart, however, always remained deeply rooted in his hometown of Limbe. He was a tireless advocate for his community, believing fervently in the power of collective action and giving back. A talented soccer player, he played professionally for several teams in Limbe and later for Football Inter Club Association (FICA) after moving to the United States. His love for the sport mirrored his love for uniting people and fostering joy. As one of the founding members of Limbeens Unified for Social Progress (LUSP), Haissa devoted himself to empowering the youth of his hometown and beyond. His vision for a brighter future inspired him to organize and participate in several medical mission trips, bringing hope and tangible change to Limbe and Haiti as a whole. Haissa's magnetic personality and infectious positivity touched everyone he met. He was a natural community leader who brought hope, joy, and unity wherever he went. Haissa met his wife, Ketty, 36 years ago at City College, and the two were married for 29 beautiful years. Together, they raised their daughter, Haniyah, whom Haissa lovingly called his "princess." Haissa's death was preceded by the passing of his parents and his sister, Zette. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Ketty Philogene, and his daughter, Haniyah Philogene; his cherished brothers, Victor and Pedro Philogene and Pierre Roland Cadet; his dear sisters-in-law, Josette and Yole Philogene; his loving sisters, Josette Toussaint, Anne-Rose Hooks, Patricia Jean Fevry, and Rose-Carmelle Toussaint Bulfin; and his brothers-in-law, Evens Mompremier and Damian Bulfin. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Giovani (Ricky) Philogene, Tashisha Philogene, Ayesha Philogene, Ashley Philogene, Guynaud Alain Jospitre, Johann Jospitre, Joel Pyronneau, Irvelle François, Geraninne Fevry, Tatiannah Fevry, and Martine Bulfin; as well as his great-nephews, Princeton Adlein and A.J. Avalon. His surviving cousins include Maude Obas, Dupuy Obas, Claudine Pean, Lucien Obas, Lucette Obas, Linouse Obas, Edzer (Doudou) Obas, Dupuy Obas Jr., Nadine Obas, Michaelle Obas, Miriam Obas Felix, Jenny Obas, Chantale Obas, Nathalie Obas Nerrete, Sherley Obas, and Eguel Obas. He also leaves behind his friends, whom he considered his extended family, including Marie Yolene Mesidor Gaspard, Fulvie Jolicoeur, Yoceline Clicquot, Wilbert Thoby, Eddy Georges, Daniel Mesidor, Barnabas Laveau, Francis Gratia, Claudel Toussaint, Albert Decady, Frantz Blanchard, Yveste (Gilberte) Jean, Yves (Ti Ba) Dalencourt, Peguy Jean-Pierre, Lionel Moise, Mercier Saint-Surin, and Marc Valentin.