Martin Heroll Denis

Born to Haitian parents, Marie Grecia Jean-Baptiste and the late Briand Denis, Martin Heroll Denis was born on January 15, 1970. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York where he attended John Dewey High School and St. John’s University. Martin married the love of his life Fannie Elizabeth who loved and cared for him to the very end. He vowed to be a faithful husband, provider and supporter to her and kept his promise. Reflecting a tapestry of faith, perseverance, joy and triumph, Martin’s life is marked by many examples of what it means to live life to the fullest allowing nothing to hold him back. From the time Martin was born, he faced many challenges. Being diagnosed with Sickle Cell meant spending much of his childhood in and out of the hospital as he experienced excruciating pain. This challenge continued throughout his adult life causing him to modify opportunities and dreams. Nevertheless, most would never know how difficult life was for him because of his victorious disposition, compassionate care for others, courageous faith along with his hilarious level of insightful humor. Martin danced through the cool rhythms of Jazz and the Oldies but Goodies of the 70’s to grace him through life’s obstacles. His life’s work is nothing less than a landmark of contributions. Miraculously escaping the terrible tragedy of 9/11 after over a decade of employment at The South Tower of the World Trade Center, his sense of purpose was deepened. He knew then that God was with him. Marked by his years of international service in Guantanamo Bay, he not only extended the legacy of his Haitian heritage but served many Haitian immigrants as a Haitian Creole translator. He later retired from Florida’s prison system as a correctional officer leaving his stamp of wise counsel on many inmates. Following the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2010, Martin worked tirelessly to rescue his father, the late Briand Denis and bring him to safety in the U.S. He also did all he could to support his younger siblings, Larissa and Lance, as they endured the repercussions of this terrible natural disaster. While childless, Martin was a father figure to all of his siblings and shared so much of his academic insights, life experiences and passions. He went to great lengths to spend time with his niece and nephews. While Martin lived much of his life as an atheist because of the injustices he saw in the world, he later acknowledged, through all the grace God provided him, that there is a God. He later claimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Today, we not only celebrate his life on earth but the reunion he shares in heaven with Christ his Savior. Martin leaves to cherish his beloved wife Fannie Elizabeth Denis, his mother Marie Grecia Jean-Baptiste, his siblings Dr. Tamara Denis-Lewis, Brad Ryand Denis, Camara Manon Denis, Camaro Denis, Merline Denis Barrington, Alexander Denis, Larissa Taina Denis and Lance Denis. He also leaves to cherish a host of nieces and nephews to include, but not limited to, Zion Denis, Tyler Denis, Israel Lewis and Jewel Lewis. There will be a Private Family Visitation on Friday, February 21 from 5:30PM-6PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home- 9001 N. Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida 32751. Following will be a Public Visitation 6PM - 8PM. A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10AM at Annunciation Catholic Church- 1020 Montgomery Rd., Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714. The Graveside Service will be at 12PM at Queen of Angels Cemetery- 1901 Queen of Angels Drive, Winter Park, Florida 32792

Martin Heroll Denis

January 15, 1970 - February 1, 2025