Ronald Gelin

Born in Les Cayes, Haiti on June 9, 1958. Ronald Gelin began his journey through life. Ronald was one of five siblings and the oldest son of Therese Jeune and late father, Lux Gelin. He was a bright young boy who was always self-driven. He left behind his mother Therese Eugene, his daughter Vanessa Gelin, his brothers Rodney Gelin and Pierre Gelin and sisters Yvenide Ladoucer and Lynda Morales, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ronald, after leaving Haiti in his late teens, moved to the United States in 1975 with his siblings and parents for a better life. He moved to New York and yearned to get a college education. He enrolled at one of the State Universities of New York in upstate New York. From there he realized his love for Math and Engineering. Soon he made a decision to get a bachelor’s degreeto become an electrical engineer.

Years later he got married and had his first and only child, Vanessa Gelin. To his daughter, he was an available father. He was also a strict disciplinarian, never failing to discipline her if she veered off the right path. He lived long enough to witness her bachelor’s degrees at some of the best universities in theU.S., the University of Florida and the University of Rochester. Also, he hoped to see her graduate this upcoming May from the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania with her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.Vanessa was his pride and joy and one major attribute of his was instilling the importance of education. He was an advocate for education and always encouraged everyone to reach their full potential by completing a higher education and following their passion. Some may have taken his strictness and straight to the point bluntness offensive, but he always meant well.

Ronald has always been quiet and to himself, but once moving to Orlando, Florida in 2015, he made effort to grow in his relationship with his family.

He became actively involved in his church, Solomon’s Porch Advent Ministries in Orlando, Florida. He enjoyed the company of friends in the community, where he was respected as an active member and he never failed to lead by example wherever needed.

In 2017, Ronald dedicated his life to the Lord by getting baptized at Solomon’s Porch. He never missed a Saturday of worship ever since until his recent diagnosis of cancer. During his last visit at Solomon’s Porch on December 21, 2019, he came to the alter to thank the church for their profound love and support. 

Unfortunately, in October 2019, he was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Since his diagnosis, you would think Ronald would be down and depressed, but instead he had inner peace and was wearing the armor of God. He remained optimistic and was okay with God’s plan. On January 22, 2020, Ronald Gelin lost his battle to Stage IV pancreatic cancer. He was 61.

He is now resting with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Occupation

Ronald, in his 30s, found his love for engineering. He worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit for about 25 years, where he would perform field workand provide inspections, structural evaluations and assessments. 

Accomplishments

After his early retirement from engineering, he gained a passion for I.T. project management where he would spend a majority of his time at Starbucks completing assignments.  He then received a certificate in hopes to become an I.T. project manager in the near future.

Hobbies

Ronald enjoyed watching Sunday Football, the weather channel, and CNN news. He also loved taking long walks in the park and lifting weights.

He leaves to cherish in his special memories: His Daughter:  Vanessa Gelin; His Mother: Therese Eugene; His Siblings:  Rodney Gelin, Pierre Gelin, Yvenide Ladouceur, Lynda Morales and a host of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friendsthat have been affected by this loss.