Maestro Antoine Rousett Pelissier was born on October 25, 1940 in Gonaives,HAITI. He left us to be with the Lord on March 5, 2017 at the age of 76. He is the son of the late Jean Baptiste Pelissier and Clara Legros, both from Gonaives, Haiti. As a young boy, Antoine spent time reading the newspaper to his father, who was legally blind. He was so compassionate towards helping others and this was very evident in him at such a very young age.
Antoine went to school at Notre Dame de Lourdes and later went Lou College where he earned his Associate Degree in Music Orchestra & English. He also went to Crane School of Accountants, and worked as an accountant in Gonaives, Haiti for many years. Outside of his education and work, Antoine was a superstar athlete and played on the Grand Selection of Gonaives All-star Soccer Team for 15 years; wearing his favorite number 12. Later Antoine continued to display his athleticism for the Grand Selection of St. Marc All-star Soccer Team. Unfortunately, Antoine suffered a head injury and thus the nickname was “KonKom 12” was born. Till this day everyone in that era that knew Antoine understands the nickname. Ironically, his favorite football player Tom Brady who plays for the five time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots shared the same number.
After his injury, Antoine decided to go full time with his first love, music. Unbeknownst to him, this would be a gift that he would carry out in his life. The first instrument he learned to play was the Harmonica. He began his musical career in Haiti, where he formed a band with his friends. One day after a performance, Antoine decided to give his life to Christ. He served in many ways with his musical talent. Maestro Pelissier was the first to create a gospel band in the city of Gonaives, Haiti. He was a pillar of the city, giving the children free music lessons and directing many choirs in several churches throughout the city. Maestro Pelissier served relentlessly, he served God thru his music ministry. Antoine was determined to share his gift with the world. Anytime he received a call for music, he showed up. He never focused on what others thought, his motto was “keep going and serve God.”
In 1971, he met the beautiful Marie E. Derivois. At the time she was attending school and was very involved in community activities. Antoine waited patiently waited for the woman who would become the love of his life. On April 15, 1976, Antoine married his Queen. Antoine and Marie left Haiti and traveled to Chicago where he was a musical leader at L’eglise Baptiste de Gabaron. After spending a few years in Chicago and continuing his musical legacy that Antoine began in Haiti, the couple made a decision to move to Boston with the Innocent family.. In Boston, Maestro continued his music legacy at BMBC, where the late Elizer Romeus introduced him too. Maestro Rousett Pelissier, went on to lead many choirs in the Boston community. He worked and traveled to many different cities and states, sharing his musical knowledge. Maestro Rousett Pelissier would direct his last choir at the Holy Bible Church in Somerville on December 29, 2012 due to illness. Although he was battling illness Maestro did not let this keep from doing the thing he loved very much, playing music. Antoine would play his piano at the rehab treatment center and continued to play until his last days. Even when he could not get up anymore, he laid in bed and played gospel hymns such as “ Va Mon Coeur”and other hymns on his harmonica. Antoine praised God through music all the days of his life.
Antoine R. Pelissier is survived by his wife Marie E. Derivois Pelissier, children: Emmanuel, Thierry, Patrick,Annie Clara and Cassandra Nadine Pelissier daughters-in-laws: Fernande, Misato, and Latrice Pelissier,grandchildren: Hadassa, Autumn, Tyler, Abbygayle, and Kayla Pelissier ,siblings: Madeline, Ginette, Antonine, Lucille, Giselle, Lionel, Charles Antoine,sisters-in-law, Jouseline Cherilues and family members : Pelissier, Derivois, Legros, Saint Pierre, Bissanthe, Larivere, Joseph, Sajous, Delerose, Chery, Placide,derisse, Chicoye, manus,Elias, Cherilus, Derosiers, Saint Juste, Innocent, Laurent, Merisier, Thimothé, Eloi, Romeus, Lapointe and Cambrone and all the cousins and nieces and nephews.
A Wake will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00pm at Boston Missionary Baptist Church, 336 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 where a viewing will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:00am followed by Funeral Service at 10:00 O'clock at Tabernacle Baptist Church 575 American Legion Hwy., Roslindale, MA 02131
Interment: Oak Lawn Cemetery, Roslindale, MA
In lieu of flowers, Please send all donations, cards, etc to: 120 Sayles Street, #2 Lowell Ma 01852
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Riley-Antoine Funeral Home.
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