Ernest Philogène

Ernest Philogène

Sunrise: Sunday October 6, 1954 Sunset: Sunday September 24, 2023

Ernest Philogène was born in Ouanaminthe, Haiti on Sunday, October 6,1954. He attended primary & secondary school at his hometown and successfully complete the French Baccalaureate Part I and Part II

At a very young age, Ernest was an avid reader and started to show a great interest in journalism. Under the influence of his uncle, Mr. Edouard Mackenzie, sure enough, Ernest became involved in “La Voix Du Nord-Est”,a newspaper company owned by his beloved uncle. His brilliant mind and aptitude for greatness brought him abundant success. After his uncle’s death, he became the editor-in-chief of the newspaper.

In 1974, Ernest worked in the Ministry of the Interior, the Immigration section in Haiti.
In 1979, he was nominated to Regional director in the Public Ministry of Information, and later became its Press Secretary & Spokesperson. At that time, all were accustomed to listen to Ernest on local radio stations give daily updates of the State’s political activities.
In 1986, his career path took him to the Public Works Transport and Communication (TPTC), where he served first as a consultant, then as editor-in-chief.
From 1999 and until his passing on Sunday, September 24, 2023, Ernest was an employee of Charter Care Medical in North Providence.

An avid fan of volleyball, he once coached the National Team while occupying the function of editor-in-chief of Haiti Volleyball Publication.

Ernest was also an accomplished author of a book “L’Église de Notre Dame de L’Assomption Sous La Houlette des Oblats de Marie Immaculée.”

In addition to journalism, Ernest was fascinated by the world of science and medicine, which drove him into the role of medical lab technician in Haiti.

In 1999 under what seemed to be a deteriorating condition of the country’s political stability, Ernest, reluctantly opted to migrate to the USA with his lovely wife Michèle Voigt Philogène and their two sons Mitchell and Nesly. The decision to settle in Rhode Island was prompted by existing family members already living in Providence, RI. The Philogène’s family became residents of Johnston since 2002.

Ernest was a devoted Catholic, he was brought up in the respect of the Christian faith by his grandmother, Mrs Berthe Theodore. He led a life of service to the church and to all around him; especially, to those afflicted by illness. He was an honorable and loving man whose sound advice and keen insight focused on prioritizing unity, courage, love, kindness, humility and compassion during his everyday life.

Ernest was a very active member of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Providence. He had a great reverence for the Word of God and possessed a wealth of knowledge in the liturgy of the church that he freely shared with others. For many years he was the primary anchor leading a Charismatic Prayer Group on Saturday evenings. Ernest enjoyed listening to classical music and Gregorian songs and excelled at playing the piano.

On Sunday September 24, 2023, after having vividly participated and distributed Communion at The Celebration of the Feast of Saint Michael The Archangel and carrying with him The Holy Host to share with his 101-year-old mother-in-law, Ernest was struck by a massive heart attack and unexpectedly passed away.

Ernest is survived by his beloved wife Michèle and their two sons, Mitchell and Nesly; his mother-in-law Mrs. Jeanne Voigt; his siblings: Mrs.Liselotte Philogène & spouse Mr. Jean Bongo, Arsène Philogène & wife Mrs. Maryse André, Yva Philogène, Suzie Philogène & spouse Mr. Eddy Jasmin of Canada, Mrs. Lourdes Bernadin & spouse Mr. Etzer Barthélemy of Virginia, and Alphonse Bernardin of Florida; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Dr. Nicolas Voigt & wife Mrs. Maude Dugué, Dr. Claude Pierre & wife Mrs Marie Jeannie Voigt and Mr. Emmanuel Parfait & wife Mrs. Junie Voigt.

Our sincere condolences to the Philogène, Voigt, Bernardin, Jasmin, Barthélemy, Bongo, Pierre, Parfait, Mackenzie, Théodore, Mompoint, Monéreau, Jean-Antoine, Dorsainvil, Ménard, Saintvil, Benoit, Médina, Longchamp, Rodrigue, Garçonville, Jean-Pierre, Saint-Victor, Marcelin, Salomon, Aubin, Lamothe, Elie, Calixte, Manigat, Charlot and Jacques-Antoine families.

Funeral arrangements for Ernest Philogène:
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 4 PM till 8 PM at Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10 AM at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 239 Oxford Avenue, Providence, RI
Inhumation will occur immediately following the Church service, at Saint Ann Cemetery, 73 Church Street, Cranston, RI

Memorial contributions to Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Providence, RI

Father in heaven, into your hands we commend our beloved Ernest’s spirit! Requiescat in pace!