Richardson Innocent

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richardson Innocent, aged 50, on September 8, 2023, in Providence, Rhode Island. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Richardson Innocent was born on April 15, 1973, to Joseph Charitable Innocent and Marie Jacqueline Innocent in Cabaret, Haiti. He spent his earliest days in Haiti before moving to Guadeloupe in 1979. By 1985, his family relocated to Elizabeth, New Jersey and later Dorchester, Massachusetts. After graduating from Dorchester High School, he attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. He came back to the Boston area after college and developed a passion for Real Estate. As a young entrepreneur, he grew his real estate holdings with a passion that only Rich could. 

A staunch advocate for equity in education and continued rights of the Haitian American community, Rich helped promote the local newspaper the Haitian Reporter; he organized visiting tours to Haiti with groups of friends, investors, and business partners to experience the beauty of his native land and to connect with successful local businesses and those that had successfully repatriated to Haiti. While on one such business tour, he witnessed the devastating earthquake of 2010 and became a first responder as he helped pull victims trapped beneath the rubble. More recently, following the earthquake in 2021 he organized fundraising drives to support purchase of food and school supplies to help schools in Camperin, Haiti. The area was impacted by the earthquake and cut off from the larger NGO support networks. His donations helped school children, their families, and the teachers. He maintained his relationship with members of this community who have expressed grave sadness upon learning of his passing.  

Richardson was a charismatic individual whose presence lit up any room. He had the ability to make the most mundane moments feel special. His genuine interest in others and empathetic nature made everyone feel heard and appreciated. Rich is survived by his wife Marie Denise Laine Joassaint Innocent and stepdaughter Beky Laine; his children Jonathan and Nathalie Innocent from previous unions with Frances Silcott and Rosalie Edouard, respectively; his mother Marie; his siblings Ronzard, Pascal and Eunice; and a host of other beloved family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Innocent and his brother Jean Charles Innocent. May they all rest together in joy, peace, and eternal love. 

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