STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Jean Victorin of West Brighton spent his life teaching lessons that went beyond math equations — instilling values of education, cultural pride, and perseverance in his family and community.
The beloved former educator at Martin Luther King High School in Manhattan, 66, died Jan. 11 from injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Jean Victorin, 66, immigrated to America in the 1970s and spent his life pushing family members to achieve their educational dreams before a tragic pedestrian accident took his life on Jan. 11.Facebook
Victorin, who was fluent in French, Creole and English, immigrated to the United States from Haiti in the 1970s, bringing with him a burning desire for learning.
As the eldest of eight siblings, he spent his life encouraging educational achievement among his family members, a mission that extended to his professional life as an educator.
“He taught math, his favorite subject, and was proud to be Haitian,” his son, Patrick Victorin recalled. “He was proud to be from Haiti and to be in America. He was very cultural.”
No stranger to hard work, Jean worked at Macy’s upon first arriving in America before finding his calling as a math teacher and later serving as a public safety officer at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Throughout his professional transitions, his commitment to teaching remained constant.
“He was a big brother, a friend, a father. Jean was also like a teacher to us — keeping us out of trouble,” said Miguel Victorin, one of Jean’s younger brothers. “He would always give us counseling. He was a very good man.”
Miguel recounted how his brother was instrumental in his own educational journey after moving to the United States.
“When I came to the United States, I lived with him for a long time. He made sure that I went to school,” Miguel said.
Under Jean’s guidance, Miguel attended Susan Wagner High School and later earned degrees from New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn.
“I graduated with a bachelor’s degree and associate degrees in facility management and construction management. I also went to theology school because of him,” Miguel explained.
When Miguel struggled with mathematics during his engineering studies, his brother’s expertise proved invaluable.
Jean Victorin, 66, was a passionate advocate for education, he relentlessly pushed his family and community to pursue higher learning.Courtsey of Patrick Victorin
“When I had a little problem with the remediation classes, he told me, ‘Listen you come to me and I will help you out with the math problem that you have,’ because he had a master’s degree in math,” Miguel remembered.
A mentor beyond academics
Jean’s dedication to his family’s success extended beyond academics.
Perhaps nowhere was this more evident than in his relationship with his son, whom he coached in basketball. One particularly meaningful memory involved teaching Patrick how to shoot from the difficult corner position on a basketball court.
“I had a difficult time shooting the ball from the corner,” Patrick shared. “He used to tell me, ‘hey, there’s a certain way you have to throw the ball. You don’t want to throw the ball too hard, because if you throw the ball too hard, you can go over the hoop.’”
This lesson paid off with a triumphant moment during a Catholic Youth Organization playoff game on Staten Island.
“I remember getting the ball from the corner and actually making the shot. And I just remember him being right there,” Patrick recounted, the pride in his father’s reaction still evident in his voice.
Beyond basketball, Jean shared his love of soccer with his family.
A family man at heart, he married his wife in 1983. Their son, Patrick, was born in 1985. He embraced his stepdaughter as his own and later cherished his grandchildren, Jaden, Jayla, and Jovanni, whom he “loved so much.”
His family ties remained strong throughout his life. As the eldest, Jean maintained close relationships with his younger siblings.
According to Miguel, Jean maintained regular contact with all his siblings, who are now spread across New York and Massachusetts.
“He called them every day. We usually don’t go three days without speaking to each other,” Miguel said, until Jean was tragically hit by a car.
Jean’s influence was profound and life-changing for Miguel.
“I don’t know where I would have been if it weren’t for him, because he was a very good motivator. He expected things from you. He looked out for you to do something and he will make sure to contact you to see the result,” Miguel reflected.
Processing the tragedy
Jean’s unexpected passing after a pedestrian crash has left his family still processing their loss.
“It happened quickly… I saw him last weekend, then he got hurt and now he’s gone,” his son shared. Though still in shock, he offered advice to others: “Just be careful crossing the street. Be more alert, pay attention, both drivers and pedestrians.”
Jean was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne-Marie. He leaves behind son, Patrick; daughter Ginette; grandchildren Jaden, Jayla and Jovanni; and siblings Emmacula, Karine and Miguel Victorin.
The crash
According to the NYPD, on Sunday, Jan. 4, at approximately 1:55 p.m., police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on South Avenue near Forest Avenue in Mariners Harbor.
Initially, Jean sustained a non-life-threatening head injury and was transported by EMS to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton in stable condition, according to the NYPD.
Days later on Jan. 11, Jean’s condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to his injuries, police said.
No charges have been filed at this time in connection with the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.