Family Says Goodbye To Haitian Hero
Loved Ones Remember Raynold Orelus
POSTED: Saturday, March 13, 2010
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Saturday was supposed to be the 46th birthday for the father of five. Instead, his family, reeling from his killing last month, said a final goodbye.
The funeral service for Raynold Orelus was held at the San Jose Episcopal church in the 7400 block of San Jose Boulevard. Family, friends and members of Orelus's church attended.
Police said Orelus was working at the McDonald's restaurant on Baymeadows Road when he was gunned down while trying to stop a robbery.
According to his family, Orelus and his wife, Miraclide, had been living in the United States for six years and were raising money to bring their kids from Haiti.
Thanks to an anonymous donation from a community member, their four sons were able to attend their father's funeral Saturday.
Miraclide chanted as she left the church. A member of the Haitian American Association for Advancement said the family is still shaken up by the tragic events but are appreciative of all the help they've received.
"What is really nice is the community of Jacksonville reaching out and helping this family because they really need help," John Jocelyn said.
Previous Stories: - March 11, 2010: Funeral Set For Killed McDonald's Worker
- March 8, 2010: Slain McDonald's Employee's Children Arrive From Haiti
- March 3, 2010: Police Union Honors Good Samaritan
- February 26, 2010: Funeral Home To Help Slain Man's Family
- February 25, 2010: Children Will Get To Attend Dad's Funeral
- February 25, 2010: Family Tries To Get 4 Kids To U.S. For Dad's Funeral
- February 23, 2010: Slain Haitian Immigrant Remembered
- February 23, 2010: Murder Charge Filed In Fast-Food Slaying
- February 23, 2010: Haitian Immigrant Killed At McDonald's
- February 22, 2010: Chase, Capture After McDonald's Killing
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