Obituary of Emmanuel John Nelson

Emmanuel John Nelson 1939-2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Emmanuel Jean (John) Nelson, who peacefully left us on February 27, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on February 2, 1939, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Lucien Nelson and Laura Domingue, John was the second of their children and grew up in Petionville, Haiti. As a young boy, he excelled in his studies, developing a particular love for math, and was also a passionate soccer player. “Ti King” as John was known in his younger years, he was considered to be one the four giants of the Haitian soccer world. John’s talent on the field led him to the Central University of Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador, where he played soccer internationally for the semi-professional club, Liga Deportiva Universitario (L.D.U.), forming lifelong memories of his travels and friendships. In 1966, he made the decision to emigrate to the United States and marry Marlene Alexis, settling in New York City before relocating to Miami, Florida in 1974. John’s life was defined by his strong sense of right and wrong, which he demonstrated through his dedicated service to both his community and his country. As a law enforcement officer, he served with unwavering commitment for 27 years with the Metro-Dade Police Department, rising to the rank of Sergeant. On May 16, 2017, the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners recognized John for being the first Haitian American police officer hired by the Department to have reached the rank of Sergeant. He also served with other police departments in Sunrise and Miami Shores and then later served 8 years in Haiti with the United Nations stationed as a commander in Jacmel and Cap-Haitian, Haiti. John was well liked wherever he worked, his uniform always impeccably maintained, his demeanor always respectful but firm. His work in vice, narcotics, fugitive retrieval, and fighting corruption was often dangerous, but his courage and determination shone through. He retired in 2010 after a long and honorable career. John was a loving and devoted family man, leaving behind his cherished siblings Marie-Claire, Eddy, Yvon, his children Phillipe, Martine, Michael, and Gregory, daughter-in-law Judy and son-in-law Michael, as well as his grandchildren Kayla, Dimitri, Miles, and Max. He was also a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Known affectionately as Uncle John, Grandpa John, and Brother John, he was quick-witted, funny, caring, and selfless, always ready to give whatever he had to those in need, and willing to lay down his life for those he loved. His presence in the lives of his family and friends will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love, service, and compassion will never be forgotten. In Repose Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church-Miramar. Please keep the Nelson family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Nelson family with the arrangements.