Obituary of Hentelais Amay

Hentelais Emmanuel Amay, age 84, peacefully passed away on February 12, 2026.

Born on August 23, 1941, in Desdunes, Haiti, to Noel Amay and Constancia Sylvain, Hentelais was one of eleven children. Raised by his aunt in Gonaïves, he attended high school in Port-au-Prince and later graduated from Leconte University with a degree in civil engineering.

In 1969, Hentelais moved to Canada to begin a new chapter. The following year, he relocated to the United States, living in New York City before eventually settling in New Jersey. He dedicated many years to his career as a chemical operator in his new-found home state.

Hentelais was a man of immense integrity and pride, earning deep respect within the Haitian community. He was known for going above and beyond for family, friends, and strangers alike. After establishing himself in America, he worked tirelessly to help his family and many other Haitian immigrants relocate and find work, ensuring they were well-settled. His family was always his number one priority, and he consistently emphasized the importance of education to his children. He was proud of all of them. He spent his retirement years reconnecting with old friends as well as making many new ones. He was well-loved.

Hentelais is survived by his siblings: Assagla Augustin, Oslange Amay, Gonceva Predestin, Gilbert Amay, and Nadege Amay; his children: Marlie Amay, Joane Amay, and Antoine Amay; his grandchildren: Marie Sheelene Jean, Dashleen Amay, Hentelais Mondesir, Darline Francois, Sophonie Casimir, Nehemie Casimir, Casandra Casimir, Sonia Dervil, Asheley Joseph, Mackenson Joseph, Diana Amay, Annabel Adeyeri, and Victoria Adeyeri; his former spouse Lolita Amay; his many great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Bertha Amay, Yolande Stephen, Clairsie Amay, Andrela Amay, and Elvire Phillipe; as well as his daughter Wildine Amay.

His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and souls of everyone he impacted. Although he is physically gone, his spirit remains with us all.

Service Invitation

Visitation and Wake - Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6pm-9pm, at Dangler Funeral Home 340 Main St. West Orange, NJ 07052

Funeral Service - Saturday, February 28, 2026, beginning at 10am; also at Dangler Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery, 408 Orange Rd. in Montclair, NJ 07042.