Jean Max Dorsinville

In Memory of Jean Max Dorsinville June 28, 1940 – August 31, 2026 Jean Max Dorsinville, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted Catholic, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 86. 

Jean was born on June 28, 1940, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Max Dorsinville, Sr. and Fernande Derenoncourt. Proud of his Haitian heritage throughout his life, Jean eventually made the United States his home and became a U.S. citizen while maintaining a strong connection to the history and culture of his birthplace  As his father's responsibilities in government and foreign affairs required his parents to travel, Jean and his brother, Max Dorsinville, Jr., were sent to boarding school in Montreal, Canada, where they attended Collège de Saint-Laurent, operated by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Following his studies in Montreal, Jean moved to New York City and attended New York University (NYU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics.  

In 1965, Jean married Leslie Seales, beginning a partnership that would span more than 60 years. Together, Jean and Leslie raised their two children, Natasha Watkins and Dimitri Dorsinville, and later welcomed their grandchildren, Nadia Watkins and Benjamin Watkins IV. Over six decades, they shared the many seasons of life. Professionally, Jean built a career in the insurance industry and ultimately retired from New York Life Insurance Company. He was intellectually curious and maintained a lifelong interest in politics, history, and current events. He enjoyed spirited conversation and remained engaged with the world around him throughout his life.  Jean's Catholic faith was an important and enduring part of his life. While living in Brooklyn, New York, he was a member of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and participated actively in parish life.  In 2006, Jean and Leslie moved to Savannah, Georgia, where they would spend the next chapter of their life together. Jean continued his involvement in the Catholic Church at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and later at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, serving as a lector and continuing his longstanding commitment to his church community. 

 He was preceded in death by his father, Ambassador Max Dorsinville, Sr.; his mother, Fernande Derenoncourt; his brother, Max Dorsinville, Jr., Ph.D.; and his sister-in-law, Marielle Dorsinville. Jean leaves behind his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Leslie B. Dorsinville; his daughter, Natasha Watkins, and her husband, Dr. Benjamin O. Watkins III; his son, Dimitri Dorsinville; his grandchildren, Nadia Watkins and Benjamin Watkins IV; his nephew, Hans Dorsinville; and Stephanie “Mama Seales” Seales, the wife of his father-in-law, who held a special place in Jean's life and whom he regarded as a second mother. He also leaves behind several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and extended family members.“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7May he rest in eternal peace.  

The memorial service to honor Jean’s life will be on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist located at 222 East Harris Street in Savannah, Georgia.  Another memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 10 am at St. Matthew's RC Church located at 1123 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY.  

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Matthew's RC Church in memory of Jean Max Dorsinville https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/FD-970 

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444