Rabbi Lavarin

Rabbi Lavarin was born the second of five children, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Rev. Antoine Lavarin and Ginette Lavarin on August 12th, 1982. From the very beginning, it was clear to his family that Rabbi was special. He had a mind that seemed to work differently from everyone else’s. As a child, his family often described him as the smartest among them, a young boy whose brilliance revealed itself early and often. That brilliance followed him into his years at Boston Latin Academy, where he not only excelled academically but developed a deep love for chess. Rabbi became an exceptional chess player, finishing as the runner up in the state chess tournament. He graduated proudly with the Boston Latin Academy Class of 2000 receiving a full academic scholarship to Bridgewater State College. Not only was Rabbi a brilliant chess player, he was an independent thinker. In Sunday School, Rabbi often challenged his Sunday School teachers. Rabbi, loved a good debate, often taking an alternative view or perceptive. When Rabbi made the decision to be baptized, his parents questioned him about the decision, ensuring his decision was authentic. Rabbi rigorously debated his desire to be baptized, being the first among the Lavarin children to be baptized. Rabbi was baptized at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dorchester MA, under the leadership of Rev. Tony Kebreau. To know Rabbi was to know someone whose heart matched his mind. His friends describe him as fiercely loyal, the kind of person you could call at the last minute who would drop whatever he was doing just to be there. If you were his friend, you knew you had someone in your corner. Rabbi loved people sincerely and trusted them with a genuine heart. He believed in showing up for those he cared about, and that loyalty made him the kind of friend people never forget. While Rabbi lived many chapters in his life, the one that meant the most to him was becoming a father. The birth of his son, Rabbi Lavarin Jr., affectionately known as RJ, changed his life in profound ways. From that moment forward, Rabbi made a conscious decision to be present for his son. Whether it was attending extracurricular activities, encouraging RJ’s interests, or simply spending time together, Rabbi was determined to be the father his son deserved. Their bond was unmistakable, filled with laughter, pride, and the little shared joys that made their relationship special, including passing down his love for long hair to his son. Rabbi was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Antoine Lavarin. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward. He is survived by his beloved son, RJ; his devoted mother, Ginette Lavarin; his sisters, Rebecca (Gary) Boussicaut and Sarah (Claude) Albert; and his brothers, Samuel Lavarin and Marc Antoine (Barbara) Lavarin. He also leaves his cherished nieces and nephews: Shaqui Barnes, Malachi Albert, Brielle Boussicaut, Nariyah Lavarin, Zachariah Albert, Avery Albert, Marc Antoine Lavarin Jr., and Sophia Lavarin. Rabbi’s life also touched countless uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who mourn his passing and will forever remember the brilliance, loyalty, and love that defined his life.

Rabbi Lavarin

August 12, 1982 - February 24, 2026