Roland Leonard

Roland Leonard, known affectionately as “Cher ami”, Ti Rol", "Roro", passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Orlando, FL. 

Roland was born on November 25, 1949, to Marie Saintelia Milord and Sylvain Leonard in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He was raised in Léogâne, Haiti, and is the eldest of many siblings. He returned to Port-au-Prince for his primary and secondary studies at Lycée Anténor Firmin, where he encountered many friends who are in his life to this day. He attended INAGHEI and the Faculté de droit et des sciences économiques in Port-au-Prince, where he graduated with a degree in finance and law. 

Roland had a tough childhood and did not always have access to basic needs. But he never let that stop him from achieving success in life. He used his struggles as a driving force to better himself. He is the eldest of all his siblings and served as a father figure to them. He always ensured his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins had access to all the tools they needed to succeed, including education, employment, and basic needs.

 Roland proudly started working at the Banque de la République d’Haiti (BRH) in 1980. In 1981, he won a contest at BRH through the International Monetary Fund. This granted him a visa that allowed him to travel to Washington, D.C. In December of 1982, a friend introduced him to the love of his life, Altagrace Jean-Gilles. During their courtship, they exchanged numerous love letters between the United States and Haiti. They married in 1987 and had two children: Stanley and Brittany. 

Roland worked at BRH from 1980 to 2015, a career of thirty-five years by the time he retired. He served as chef de support and later received a promotion as assistant directeur, a major accomplishment. He used his position to help many people obtain employment opportunities to ensure their welfare. He always went above and beyond to help everyone around him, including friends, family, and even strangers. Roland was an excellent provider for his family. Working at BRH provided him with much joy, and he would have never retired if it was up to him. He remained friends with many of his colleagues. 

Roland loved to play soccer, billiards, enjoyed playing dominoes, and was a table tennis champion. He loved watching basketball and tennis games with his wife and daughter, and enjoyed watching soccer and boxing matches. He always had an admirable grin when talking on the phone with his siblings and his friends. 

Roland is preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Altagrace Leonard, whom he always referred to as “Mon amour”. He is survived by his doting daughter, Brittany, who remained by his side, his only grandson, Gavin, and his son, Stanley. He also leaves behind many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved relatives and friends. 

Roland was a good Samaritan who would go without just to be of service to others. He was very popular in Haiti, was very loved, and will be sorely missed. Our family and this world will never be the same without his warm smile, great sense of humour, caring spirit, and generous heart.

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