Martin Prosper's Obituary
Deacon Martin Prosper, a devoted brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, resilience, and service.
Dean Prosper was born on November 11, 1951, in Glacis Courreau, a town near St. Louis du Nord, Haiti, to Idiana Prospère. Affectionately known as “25” by close family and friends, the origin of his nickname remains a mystery, with as many versions of the story as there are people who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother Idiana Prospère, sister Odette Myrtil and brother Certus Myrtil.
After spending his early years in the Bahamas, Deacon Prosper made a perilous journey to the United States. He often recounted a harrowing night in September 1979, when the boat he was traveling on was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard. At that moment, the boat’s captain forced him and other passengers to jump into the ocean. In defiance, Deacib Prosper questioned the men operating the vessel, not realizing at the time that the money he and others had paid went to traffickers exploiting migrants desperate for a better life. He never forgot the cries of those who could not swim, a haunting memory that underscored his lifelong gratitude for survival and opportunity.
Deacon Prosper went on to build a life in the Washington, D.C. region, where he spent decades in the hospitality industry. He began working at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol in 1981, first as a busser in the dining room and later as a cook. He quickly became a beloved figure among staff and guests.
In 1992, his exceptional service earned him the prestigious Regional Apple of the Year Award, after receiving more than 200 guest submitted “apple nominations” in a single year. In the award letter, guests praised “his smile, his wanting to help people with information about the area, his cheerful disposition and friendly personality.” One couple was so moved by their encounter with Deacon Prosper that they invited him to Texas and hosted him at their ranch.
His work was instrumental to the success of both the Deli Bar and Happy Hour program at the Holiday Inn, with food sales at the Lobby Bar generating over $80,000 annually, and approximately $25,000 attributed to Happy Hour promotions alone. What made Mr. Prosper exceptionalism went beyond revenue. He had not missed a single scheduled day of work in over two years. He regularly worked extra hours, covered additional shifts, and consistently set the tone for guest experience with his dedication, kindness, and welcoming spirit.
Deacon Prosper later continued his career at the Gaylord National Resort at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he worked until retiring in 2019. He was recognized with both five and ten years of service awards. A proud member of UNITE HERE Local 25, he was deeply committed to solidarity with fellow hotel and restaurant workers across the Washington metro area.
Outside of work, Deacon Prosper was deeply rooted in faith and community. A longtime volunteer and deacon at Holy Temple Church of Christ, he began serving under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Weathers, whose teachings profoundly influenced his life.
He found joy in travel and took great pride in his extended family, making regular phone calls to relatives near and far and always seeking to connect at family gatherings. He is survived by a large and loving network of relatives, including members of the Alexandre, Augustin, Bailey, Cyril, David, Desinord, Estinor, Etienne, Ferjuste, Fortuné, Jean, Jones, Joseph, Mombranche, Nelson, Orélhomme, Pierre, Prosper, Prospère, Tamar, Valcourt, and Vilgène families.
Among his many beloved relatives, he held a special place in his heart for his cousins Claudette David and Monica Parker, whom he helped raise and cherished deeply.
Mr. Prosper's life was a testament to perseverance, kindness, generosity, and community. A legacy etched in the lives of all who had the fortune to know him.
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