PJ Clitus

Parnell Clitus, affectionately known as PJ, was born on August 13, 1972 at the Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. Born to Joseph A. Clitus and Marie E. Clitus, only 2 years following their arrival to the United States from Haiti, he weighed in at 10 pounds 11 ounces. He spent his formative years in Brooklyn and would often regale his siblings with stories of hanging out with his friends at Ditmas Junior High School & in Brooklyn’s streets. He particularly loved hanging out at the Newkirk Plaza. His family moved to Irvington, NJ in the Spring of 1985. Although he spent a short while at Florence Avenue School he formed strong friendships he never forgot. While attending Seton Hall Prep he excelled academically placing in the Honors Program.  He was a member of both the wrestling and football teams. Following graduating summa cum laude from Seton Hall Prep, he attended the esteemed Ivy League institution, the University of Pennsylvania, making his parents extremely proud. He played college football for 1 year but was forced to quit after sustaining a knee injury. Parnell was a proud member of the fraternity, Phi Kappa Omega, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994.  After graduation, he pursued a career in Business Development, securing his 1st job as a paralegal at DLJ Direct, moving up to Senior Associate. He also spent 5 years as Vice President managing portfolio assets for Capital Dynamics. His final stint was sourcing deals at Headlands Capital Management, where he loved the task of connecting with people to raise capital for various ventures.

He is predeceased by his father, Joseph A. Clitus, a teacher’s aide at Irvington Public Schools and private limousine driver. He is survived by his mother, Marie E. Clitus, a retired medical unit clerk & 1199SEIU member, brothers, Rubens Clitus and Andy Clitus, sisters, Nerlande Clitus and Myrianne Clitus, his beloved Godmother Marlene Dalien, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and many other extended family members. He also leaves behind countless friends from childhood, high school, college, and work.

Everyone who became friends with Parnell felt he cared about them. Parnell will always be remembered for his infectious smile, gentle nature, generous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and cowboy boots.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for PJ at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Friday, February 2 from 8:30-10:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit & Our Lady Help of Christians Church in East Orange at 11 AM. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Parnell’s name. This link can be used: 

https://bit.ly/bu_cte (https://bit.ly/bu_cte) or folks can contact busmdev@bu.edu

A  Zoom stream will be available to view Friday February 2nd at 8:30AM. 

Meeting ID 997 533 3817  Password: 2800