Dr. Etzer Chicoye, 98, passed away July 12, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. He was known as a brilliant man with many friends and a large family.
Born in Jacmel, Haiti, November 4, 1926 to the late Rigaud and Apoline Chicoye. He graduated number one in the country from high school. He gained his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Damien University in Port au Prince. He was then offered a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin where he completed his Masters of Science in Food Technology in 1954. It is there that he met his wife, Loree Bruce. They married in Haiti in 1954. They left Haiti and moved to Chicago where he worked with Dr. Percy Julian in the research and development of our modern steriods.
With now two children in tow, Etzer and Loree went back to the University of Wisconsin where is completed his PhD in Food Technology in 1967. He was then hired by Miller Brewing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as Director of Research for Miller Brewing where he worked for over 30 years. Known as a brilliant analytical food scientist who paid meticulous attention to detail, he and his research team developed Miller Lite. This took Miller Brewing from the number seven bestselling brand to number two. During his career, he had many notable successes. He was awarded 18 process patents for beer, became a member of the Meister Brewers Association, and was on the board of the American Dairy Association (ADA). Classical music was his passion, and he became a patron of the art. Etzer pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Boulet service organizations. He also generously donated to over 30 different funds, yearly.
Etzer was a patriarch of a strong, proud multi-ethnic, multinational family and extended family. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Dolores (Loree), two children, Lorena and Rigaud (wife: Rosalinda), four grand and step grandchildren (Renee and Reina/Shella and Gregory), and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Andre and her children, Ronald, Yanitza, and Reynold.
A Memorial Gathering is to be held on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
A Tributes of a Lifetime service will begin at 2:00 PM.
For those unable to attend the service, the family is offering LIVE streaming of the service on Saturday, July 19, 2025 beginning at 2:00 PM. The link to attend LIVE is on the Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care Facebook page at: Tributes of a Lifetime Service Livestream
** The livestream will start 5 minutes prior to the service on our Facebook page
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Katia Jimenez
July 15, 2025, 1:45 pm
Lorena,
Although we are aware that loss is a part of life, it is still shocking when it does arrive.
I am here for you to provide support and anything else you need.
Laura Eierman
July 15, 2025, 3:10 pm
Hugs and prayers for your family Shella. He sounded like an amazing person from the lovely tribute.
With love, Laura Eierman
Karen Birks-Pace
July 15, 2025, 5:11 pm
I send my love and condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
Marcella Williams
July 15, 2025, 7:48 pm
Prayers to the Chicoye Family🙏🏾Keeping you in my thoughts, my Special, Lorena🩷💚
Sheila Parrish-Spence
July 15, 2025, 9:10 pm
Our condolences to you Loree, Lorena, Rigaud, and family on the passing of of your loved one, Dr. Etzer Chicoye. He was a wonderful family man, with great community interest, a love of life, and our dear friend. We have many happy memories of him. Sending hugs and prayers.
Love to you and the family, Atty. Sheila Parrish and son, Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence
Elaine Birks-Mitchell
July 15, 2025, 9:34 pm
I want to send my condolences to the family. I don’t remember a time when Chicoye’s were not a part of my life. Mr Chicoye will be greatly missed. He left an amazing legacy.
Big hugs and kisses to the family.❤️🙏🏽
Wendy
July 16, 2025, 1:04 pm
Never knew him but he sounds like a brilliant and caring family man.
I have only heard about him through his granddaughter, Shella, who was very close to him.
Condolences to the whole family and especially to my dear friend and employee, Shella ❤️🙏
Tatiana Cordovilla
July 16, 2025, 10:23 pm
Dr.Chicoye and family, we are deeply saddened by your loss, our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time, be strong. With love from the Cordovilla family José, Tatiana, Natalia and Alejandro.
Teresa Lopez
July 16, 2025, 10:39 pm
Dr. Lorena Chicoye,
My condolences to you and your family. May your father Rest In Peace. Hugs and prayers!
Brodes Hartley Jr
July 17, 2025, 5:06 pm
My deep condolences to the family of Archon Chicoye, a great scholar.
Archon Brodes Hartley Jr
Thomas & Mary Ann Russom
July 17, 2025, 8:04 pm
Loree, Lorena, Riguad , and Family. We send our love and prayers for you at this time. May your happy memories of Etzer be a comfort and encouragement to you.
Gail Birks
July 17, 2025, 8:29 pm
My condolences to the Chicoye family. Pop Chicoye was one of our dad’s closest friends. They were both chemists and environmentalists. Which is why their chats were just for them. Thank you for being one of our VILLAGE FATHERS. Rest now. What a wonderful life and legacy that we continue to experience. Much love, job well done
Cecil R. Jonas.
July 18, 2025, 4:26 pm
Etzer, my dear friend, the Jonas family mourns your passing. Your devoted wife Loree, Lorena and Rigaud must know how dearly we cherished our friendship and “buddyHood”. We are the richer for having known you for these many years. May God’s Eternal light shine on you. CRJonas.
Sallie Brown
July 19, 2025, 7:10 pm
Sallie A.Brown
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this solemn day, but you have been blessed to have a father and husband that protected his family, served the community through his magnificent mind, and lived life to its fullest! Tears of sadness for a moment, but a heart of joy left by his memory for those he touched!
Pearl Bethel
July 20, 2025, 4:17 pm
Loree,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband, Etzer. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Rosa Harvey Pratt
July 21, 2025, 6:36 pm
My condolences to you Link Sister Loree and to your family upon the transition of your husband and father figure. May you continue to remember the fond times.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always.