Vertus Massena, also known as "Moy" to his family and friends and "Eddie" to his neighbors and colleagues, a beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on May 30, 2024, in Montclair, New Jersey. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on March 7, 1951, Vertus lived a life in pursuit of a better future for his family, all starting with meeting his wife in one country but then made a lasting impression realizing this dream of family and a better future in another.

Vertus spent his early years in Haiti with his mother Flora LaPlante and brother Marcelin. He met his wife Marie Immacula as a young man in the late 60's, and the two married on June 30, 1971. Soon after, following his mother and brother, the couple immigrated to the United States, settling in Montclair, New Jersey.
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Years later, as a young married couple, Vertus and Immacula moved on to Jamaica, Queens in New York, where they lived for over a decade. During their time in New York, they welcomed three children, Jennifer Michelle, Fleur Nicole, and Moses Jamaal. The family moved back to Montclair, New Jersey in June of 1992.
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As a hard-working Haitian-born man, Vertus held a number of professions. From driving a NYC taxi, to serving as the head cook at Mary Immaculate Hospital, and finally spending 20 years as a UPS driver until retiring in 2017, he never shied away from any work that would allow him to support his family.

‍Known as "Eddie" in Montclair, Vertus was involved in his community with his neighbors, offering to shovel during snowstorms, mow the grass during the hot summer months, and drop off a case of beer at a cookout. Vertus was also involved in his children's social sphere, whether it was giving rides to their friends or attending various basketball or baseball games, drill team performances, and school plays.

Vertus loved a good glass of scotch, smooth jazz music, and old classic movies, his favorites being Clint Eastwood's "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" and the Godfather trilogy. An avid sports fan when he first came to the United States, rooted for the Oakland Raiders and New York Yankees. When George Steinbrenner did not sign his favorite Yankee Reggie Jackson after the 1981 season, Vertus became a Mets fan in 1984 on the heels of the arrival of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, and passed his passion for the Mets along to his son when he was born in 1985.

Predeceased by his parents and his brother Marcelin, Vertus' memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Immacula, his children, Jennifer, Fleur, and Moses, and his nephew Chinua.
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Vertus Massena's story is one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He will be deeply missed.