Rev. Dr. Lemaire Alerte , 86 of Jersey City, NJ passed away on January 5, 2022 at Jersey City Medical Center.  Born in Grande Saline, Haiti, he completed his formal education in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he also began his professional career as a teacher.  In 1966, he married Marie Nativida Vernet, who predeceased him on Aug 7, 2019, and they lived in Haiti before immigrating to Queens, New York. Rev. Alerte was ordained to the ministry in December 1970. He served as an assistant pastor at First Faith Baptist in Queens, New York until called by the Haitian Evangelical Church of Jesus Christ (HECJC)  in Jersey City, NJ in April 1979. While serving the church, he held numerous positions in social services.  Rev. Alerte obtained his  Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Social Work from The College of New Rochelle.  He also received a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Theology from Lighthouse Christian College.  In 1980, the Haitian Evangelical Church became a member of the American Baptist Churches (ABC) of USA and served in various executive board positions. Rev. Alerte was pivotal in the formation of the Haitian Alliance in 1983 and served for three terms as its president. As Pastor of HECJC, NJ, he established an ESL class to help the newcomers familiarize themselves with the US.  In July 2007,  he visited his rural hometown of Grande Saline, Haiti.  Seeing the need for education, he worked with local leaders to open Institution Mixte Mahanaim.  He always made time to talk to, listen to and counsel his family, members of his congregation, community members, and friends.  He is survived by seven children Dr. Ketsia Alerte Sadler, her husband Kenneth; Arnel Alerte, his wife Roseleine; Eunice Alerte Surowiecki, her husband James; Joelle Alerte; Samuel Alerte, his wife Sandra; Emmanus Alerte; Dr. Ruth Alerte Jones, her husband Chad.  Grandchildren: Andre Sadler, his wife Justice; Darius Turner, his wife Briana; Armon, Dorian, Jaiden, Kassandra, Jianna, Samuel II, Cristien, Samantha, Kian, Zoe, Kory, Madison, Elijah, and Savannah.  Great-grandchildren:  Darius Jr and Aria. Walk-through viewing: Tuesday, January 18, 2022,4 PM— 8 PM, Haitian Evangelical Church 2030 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305, PRIVATE "CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE", Wednesday, January 19, 2022, Viewing at 8 AM, Service: 9 AM. Both services will be livestreamed at https://hecjc.org Even during times of social distancing, anyone who has suffered a loss deserves love and support more than ever before. Let the family know you care by leaving treasured memories, thoughts and prayers on the Tribute Wall.