François "Phito" Etienne was born on December 4, 1950, in Léogâne, Haiti, to the late Clémence Louis and Aristène Etienne. He was raised alongside his two beloved siblings, his older brother, Cébien Exumé, and his sister, Enite Etienne.

Phito was known in his hometown of Léogâne as a hardworking and determined man. At the age of 26, in 1976, he made the life-changing decision to leave Haiti and immigrate to Guadeloupe in search of better opportunities. This journey was not easy, as he was one of the first in his family to travel abroad. He left behind everything he knew, including his pregnant girlfriend, and faced many hardships as he worked to establish himself on the Caribbean island.

Despite the challenges, Phito remained focused and committed to helping his family. In 1979, he used his resources to bring his beloved sister, Enite Etienne, to Guadeloupe. Then, in 1981, he did the same for his brother, Cébien Exumé. His generosity and selflessness were evident throughout his life, as he continuously reached back to help others move forward.

In 1988, Phito made another bold move, this time to the United States of America. Four years later, on December 28, 1992, he welcomed his daughter, Monique Etienne, his only child with Ciliana Petit Frère. He was also the proud father of Guytaud Etienne.

Phito had a heart for family and community. In 2001, once again using his resources and determination, he helped bring his beloved niece, Sonia Exumé, and her children to the United States. He believed in empowering others. One thing many people knew about Phito was that he did not simply want to give someone a fish every day; instead, he wanted to teach them how to provide for themselves. That was the kind of man he was — loving, wise, and always willing to help others build a better future.

Phito leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through his children, Guytaud Etienne and Monique Etienne; his six cherished grandchildren, Veronica Kimberly Saint Fleur, Elijah Etienne Desir, Josiah Evans Desir, Spring Love Etienne, Guylly Mellenchy Etienne, and Guytaüs Maïacorvsky Etienne; and his three precious great-grandchildren, Joakeem Casseus, Leyila Jean, and Sayana Jean.

He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of loving nieces and nephews: Feda Exumé, Sonia Exumé, Lina Exumé, Luckner Exumé, Sony Exumé, Chelo François, Chesterson Etienne, Shella François, Erlande, Josy, Elida Joseph, and Wodrose Genyda Jean; as well as his dear cousins, Alphonce Jean and Geard Jean, along with many other relatives and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

François "Phito" Etienne will be remembered for his hard work, his sacrifice, his generosity, and his unwavering desire to see his family succeed. His life was a testimony of courage, resilience, and love.