Claude A. Colas

.Claude A. Colas was born on February 3rd, 1930 in Cap Haitian, Haiti. The fourth eldest son of ten children in total to Army Officer Ernest Colas and Seamstress Elzura Nicoleau-Colas. He completed his early education studies at the Lycée Toussaint Louverture in Port-au-Prince. In 1959, Claude would continue his studies and go on to complete his long-distance correspondence studies from the National Schools in Los Angeles California, in Spanish, with a diploma in Radio, Television and Electronics. Claude would then briefly work for the National Office in charge of Coffee production for the Government of Haiti, responsible for the Aux Cayes Commune. During the turbulent 1960’s, he decided to emigrate to the United States and settled in New York City and eventually worked for years as an electrical engineer for Morse electronics. While in New York City, he met the love of his life, Solanges and the two were married on 28 June 1969. Less than a year later, Solanges gave birth to their only child, their son Hendrik Pierre Colas. The two would raise their son in Astoria, New York City. After their son became an independent adult, in 1994, Claude and Solanges retired and relocated to Kissimmee, Florida. In 1999, they both became naturalized American citizens. Claude, a devout Catholic, tirelessly volunteered his time as a Lector, French Translator and Interpreter at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for many years. By way of his benevolence, he donated regularly to needy Organizations such as the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Easter Seals disabilities services, Food for the poor, Inc., Girls and Boys Town, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial fund and the Osceola County Sheriff’s foundation. Claude had a deep love and knowledge of all types of music and was always happy and ready to provide musical cassettes and CDs to those near and dear to him for the holiday season or personal celebrations such as birthdays or weddings. Claude was also an excellent listener, ready to provide his words of wisdom to others whenever needing assistance or a comforting word. No matter how big the problem, he would always provide advice for a solution. Claude also had a such a passion for poetry and literature and often shared his own creative writing works with his loved ones. His kindness towards others will forever be in the hearts of many. His famous words were “I love everybody” Family Claude will be revered by many, fondly remembered and survived by his son Hendrik “Ricot” Colas and Ricot’s wife of nearly 25 years, Maria Luisa Colas; his grandchildren André and Ariana Colas; his nephews Josfère, Ronald, Dirk-Audy, Robert, Evens, Joël Curtiss, Ernest and nieces Yvrose, Régine, Carine, Joan, Lilian, Nancy, Aurélie, their children and their small children; his elder brother Malherbe and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Claude was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Paul “Fito”, Anne-Marie, Denise, Frédérick, Lucien, Jacques, Bernadette, Olga and his nephews Guyto and Alan.

Claude A. Colas

February 3, 1930 - July 30, 2022