Plan for the Future
Joseph Fleurimond, “Pa”, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Pa was born and raised in the rural countryside of Haiti. He moved to the city of Port au Prince and secured a job as a tax assessor for the city. While there, he met his wife, Marie, and started a family. The ambitious husband and father wanted to provide a better life for his growing family, which prompted him to immigrate to the United States in the 1970’s.
Despite the challenges of his new life in America, Pa persevered. He accepted a position with the New Yorker-Peters Corporation. After many years with the company, his work ethic led to a position with Overlook Hospital in the 1980’s, where he joined the Grounds Engineering Department. This life changing experience was the opportunity he was awaiting. Through the years, Joseph and Marie purchased a home and moved their family to Irvington, NJ. He later sent for his older children to join him. This new home is where Joseph and Marie planted roots and raised their family. There were challenges with managing a large family, but he was not deterred. He worked even harder, took risks, and with Marie’s support, they pushed through. They continued to thrive and accomplished new goals. They went on to purchase a home in the suburb of Maplewood, NJ. That was the pivotal moment when Pa witnessed the true fruits of his labor. He felt blessed to be able to provide a better quality of life for his family.
Pa’s joy was his children. He often talked about his challenging upbringing. It was important to him to teach his children life lessons. He spoke of hardships, perseverance, and the importance of planning ahead. And most important of all, pursuing higher education and opportunities that led to a better life. He particularly was proud to watch his children accomplish their dreams. It was at this point in his life that he felt most gratified; and it all started from his meager beginnings.
Pa, beloved patriarch of the Fleurimond Family, is survived by his wife, Marie, his children: Germanie, Darlaine, Calson, Folkens, Alix, Sabine, Jeff, and Trisha; and his grandchildren: Alisha, Brianna, Jamar, Keisha, Madoche, Diane, Joshua, Sassha, Christian, Nicholas, Gylice, Jeff Vernet, and Elijah. As well as, his sons-in-law, Ricardo and Zachary, and daughters-in-law, Josette and Angelia.
