JeanClaude Phanor

Jean Claude Phanor, 64, of Portland passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Maine Medical Center following a brief illness. 

Jean Claude was born in Cap-Haitien, Haiti on December 18th, 1958 the son of the late Charles Tales Phanor and Lucienne (Deshomme) Phanor. He spent his childhood and early adulthood in Haiti and later started planting roots in America.

Jean Claude came to the United States in 1981 where he spent years working as the Maître D’ on multiple cruise ships. He shared his love with the Portland Public Schools where he was employed for 30 years and was a long time volunteer at the former Monastery of the Precious Blood in Portland. 

 He and his wife Ann Marie met in 1981 and they later married in 1998. Jean Claude effortlessly took on the role of father to Ann Marie’s two sons which he loved as his own. 

In his spare time Jean Claude enjoyed Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings, and simply being surrounded by the ones he loved. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially soccer, and was a big New England sports fan. Jean Claude was known for his smile and the way he could make anyone feel welcomed. 

Jean Claude is predeceased by his father Charles Tales Phanor and mother Lucienne (Deshomme) Phanor of Haiti; his sister, Madeline Phanor of Haiti. He is survived by his wife Ann Marie (Sylvester) Phanor of Portland; three sons, Valentino Graham of NV, Nicholas Graham and his wife Stephanie of Portland, and Evans Phanor of Haiti; his brother Emmanuel Phanor and his wife Huguette of NY; two sisters, Huguette Phanor of Haiti and Naomi Phanor of Haiti; two brother in laws, Kenneth Sylvester III of Portland, and Michael Sylvester and his wife Diane of Portland; two grandchildren, Isabella Graham of Westbrook, and Mason Graham of Portland; many nieces and nephews. The family thanks the emergency services staff of Portland and the staff of Maine Medical center. 

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