Claude Zephis

     Claude Zephis, aged 80, of Elmont, NY, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Lewes, DE. Born on April 20, 1945, in Font De Blanc, Haiti, to Leonise Zephir, Claude had a special bond with his great-grandmother and Uncle Nivose, who helped raise him alongside his mother in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

     Claude was educated as an automotive mechanic. In 1967, he met his future wife, Marie, while she was walking to the convent. It was love at first sight, and they married on January 28, 1971. After moving to New York in 1971, Claude found employment on his second day in the city. His ambition led him to work for Dodge Chrysler, where he progressed from a mechanic to a Prep Center Manager, eventually retiring as a Sales Manager in 2012.

     Claude was considered a patriarch by many. He was hard-working, kind, loving, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed music, especially Kompa, dancing, family gatherings, and competitive dominoes with a bit of cognac on the side. He loved taking his kids to Lake George, family trips (especially to Punta Cana), and always coordinating Mother's Day boat rides. Claude was the ultimate provider and always welcomed new friends and family members with open arms.

     He is survived by his wife, Marie Zephis; his children, James Zephis of Elmont, and France Zephis-Nicol (Roland Sr.) of Lewes, DE; his grandchildren, Roland Jr., Rashawn, Devante (Athalia), Devonere, Jordan, Jade, and Nathaniel; his great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Carter, and Alijah; his sister, Carmen; his brothers-in-law, Salim, Hebert (Tela/Da), and Joseph; his sisters-in-law, Violette and Corine; and others he considered siblings, Creda, Felix, Louis, and Mirielia.

     Claude also helped raise his nieces and nephews: Jean, Danny, Hancy (Laquita), Marjorie (Dieter), Samuel (Nicole), Sandra, Rousell (Diana), Kenny, John (Godson), Wil, and Yveland. In addition to many more nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews whom he loved dearly.

     He is preceded in death by his mother Leonise Zephir and his sister-in-law, Ernante Michel.

 Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room.

Whatever we were to each, that we are still.

Call me by my old familiar name.

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.

Let my name be the household word it always was.

Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant

It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner…

All is well. Nothing is passed, nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better, infinitely happier and forever we will be one together.

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