Friends mourn Mattapan man killed in Blue Hill Ave. accident

A Mattapan man well-loved in Boston’s tight-knit Haitian community lost his life on May 20 when his motorcycle collided with a car on Blue Hill Avenue near the corner of Clarkwood Street. Yves Guery, Jr. 28, died at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 3:30 p.m.
Geury — or “Junior” as he was widely known— was a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed traveling to his native Haiti, dancing and working out, was mourned this week by friends and family who recalled his ready smile and willingness to help others.
“He was proud to be Haitian and would tell anybody about it,” said his cousin Belinda Ancion. “As far as the accident, is concerned, he died doing what he loved to do. He was very proud of his bike.”
Guery’s close friend Emmanuel Jean-Michel, 31, of Hyde Park, said that he met Junior as a student at Hyde Park High School. Guedy once worked as a delivery driver for Pepsi and drove trucks for a living, Jean-Michel said.
“Bikes were his passion,” Jean-Michel said. “That and Carnival in Haiti. He never missed it.”
Clifford Aurisma, 28, of Dedham, said Guery was “like a brother to me.”
“I can describe him as a free spirited guy, never about drama or anything that would have trouble in it. Junior wouldn’t want to be part of that. He wanted to have fun and make people happy. In our group, he was our motivator. He would always get us going and keep us going.”
Sahadia Bleus met Guery when he signed up at Personalized Fitness, the gym where she works in Hyde Park.
“Normally you don’t become friends that way, but he was a great guy, very friendly and humble, always welcoming,” Bleus said. “If you were having a bad day, having Junior come through the door- as if he’s staff- he gave you that warm feeling. It was such a pleasure to have him as a friend. His smile and presence was comforting.”
A funeral Mass was held at St. Angela’s Church in Mattapan Square on Saturday, May 30. Hundreds of motorcyclists joined in a procession through Mattapan Square to honor Guery.
Liz Miranda, a close friend to Guery, said that the biker community was “incredible” through the ordeal.
“The family is so thankful for their participation, support and kindness during this time. Hundreds of motorcycle riders including those that are independent riders and those affiliated with clubs came both [to the wake andf funeral] to show their support. They led a beautiful and amazing procession from the church to New Hope Cemetery.”
Belina Ancion added: Junior was a family man who left behind no immediate family of his own but cared deeply for his three nieces (Danisha, Skiana, and Nayessa) and three nephews (Ralph Jr, Lance, Ryan). He absolutely adored his baby sister, Daphnee,” she said.
“He also leaves behind his mother and father, older brother, Ralph; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law. They will surely miss him. So will his best friends since high school and tons of cousins all over. He was quite passionate for having the best of times with friends and family together that his Annual Cookout was the talk of the every summer. Those times with his mingling with everyone will surely be missed.”
“Junior's farewell was such a great one that I felt his love and passion surrounding u,” Ancion said. “I know he is at peace. We should not mourn his passing for long but celebrate his passions in life for days and years to come.”