Surlyn Claude Jean-Baptiste

Surlyn Claude Jean-Baptiste, age 52, of Middletown, DE, passed away on August 26, 2026, in his hometown of Grande-Rivière-du-Nord, Haiti. Born on November 21, 1973, he was the son of Rose-Marie Jasmin and the late Clode Jean-Baptiste.

Surlyn attended primary school at Ecole du Sacré-Coeur in Grande-Rivière-du-Nord and secondary school at Collège St. Jean Évangéliste in Port-au-Prince. At the end of 1993, he left Haiti to join his parents in the United States.

He obtained his high school diploma from Wingate High School in Brooklyn. While attending Medgar Evers College, Surlyn was in the prime of his youth and became a prominent figure in the Haitian-American Student Club. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. He was enrolled in a master’s degree program in education at the time of his passing.

While still in college, Surlyn began his career as a federal officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he served until his retirement in 2023. He then began a new chapter in education and entrepreneurship.

While Surlyn was proud of his career and accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was his family. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and loving father who valued his family above all else. He cherished the simple, everyday moments that brought everyone together. Some of his happiest moments were spent sitting around the table, sharing a meal, talking, laughing, and enjoying time together as a family. To Surlyn, those seemingly little moments were the ones that meant the most.

Surlyn was a kind, generous, and welcoming person whose warm spirit touched everyone he met. He had a natural ability to make friends wherever he went, and he never hesitated to offer a smile, a helping hand, or a few words of encouragement. He was the kind of person who made others feel comfortable and welcomed, and he leaves behind countless friendships and cherished memories.

Surlyn loved spending time outdoors and had a special appreciation for the beauty and peacefulness of nature. After his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, taking long walks around his neighborhood, and spending time at his neighborhood clubhouse. He found joy in staying active, being outside, and connecting with the people around him. He also held a deep love for his native country, Haiti, and carried his heritage proudly throughout his life.

Above all, Surlyn will be remembered for the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. He was a husband who treasured his marriage, a father who loved his children deeply, a son who remained connected to his family, and a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who was always there for those he loved. His presence brought warmth and happiness to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Surlyn leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, family, friendship, and the countless simple moments that made life special. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

In addition to his father, Surlyn was preceded in death by his sister, Roodelyne Hines.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Myrline Altidor Jean-Baptiste; his daughter, Surmyah Jean-Baptiste; and his son, H-Clode Jean-Baptiste. He is also survived by his mother, Rose Marie H. Jasmin; and his siblings, Rose Claunie JB Nemours, Solyn Jean-Baptiste, Claunise Petit, Roody Jean-Baptiste, Rodeline Jasmin, and Carl Laguerre. He leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, a grand-nephew, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE 19702. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m., following the visitation. Interment will follow at Old Drawyers Cemetery, 2839 DuPont Parkway, Middletown, DE.