Roger Louis Herard

Roger Louis Herard transitioned from this life on August 21, 2023, in Hampton, VA at the ripe old age of 97. Roger affectionately known as “Loulou,” was born on March 6, 1926, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Aurel Edmond Herard and Paulina Barthelmy. Roger was one of thirteen children, and the last of his siblings to depart this life. He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Felix Herard, Cleante (Keke) Herard, Walter Herard, Gesner Francois Herard Sr, and Jeannine Gornail.

Roger is survived by his wife Cheryl Herard. He is also survived by his children, Marc Herard (Mervelie Herard), Pierre Aurel Herard (Elena Herard), Patrice Herard White (Joe White Jr.), Emanuel Lassiter (Elizabeth Lassiter), and Blendy Lassiter Holder (Derrick Holder).

In Haiti, Roger worked in the agriculture industry as a young man. He left Haiti in his late 20s, but not before he and Francine Alexis welcomed their son Marc into the world. He came to America around 1954 seeking the American dream. Soon after, Roger Married Marguerite Mucius and they welcomed two children, Pierre Aurel, and Patrice. While waiting to obtain his citizenship, Roger worked very hard trying to make his mark, he worked in janitorial and maintenance at the American Character Dolls' factory in Brooklyn NY, where he met Evergreen Lassiter and they welcomed two children, Emanuel, Blendy and his affectionately embraced children Jo-Ann, Sabrina, LaTanya and Regina. Roger was a hard-working person very skilled in several trades and was self-employed for a while. Successful in his own right, dabbling in real estate, Roger owned several apartment buildings and houses in Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Roger received his long-awaited American citizenship in 1994, 40 years after arriving in the United States. His dream was realized. Roger worked as a truck driver for many years but after a major accident that almost took his life, he went to work for the Greater Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Manhattan as chief engineer from which he retired after many years of service. While working at Greater Harlem, he met and Married Luviman Valdez and lived in lower Manhattan until retirement. Roger relocated to Hampton Virginia and dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. He became a devoted Christian and a member of Hampton Roads Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Roger took the verse, “It is not good for man to be alone” to heart because at the spunky age of 86, Roger Married Cheryl Herard. Loulou spent his final days with his youngest daughter Blendy and her family, whom he cherished.

Loulou was a very humble man, kind and gentle who never complained about much. He loved to eat (with his eyes closed). He chewed slowly, laughed happily, and danced harty. He will be missed. He leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and will not be forgotten.