Fitzroy Pierre

“It’s a boy!” was shouted when Fitzroy Pierre entered the world on March 14, 1935. His parents Josephine Clark and Earnest Pierre were determined to make life as pleasant as possible for young Fitzroy. Fitzroy grew up in Chaguanas, a central city in the island country of Trinidad in the West Indies. On his mother’s side of the family he had brothers Carlton and Earl and sister Annette. On his father’s side he had numerous other brothers and sisters. Fitzroy attended Chaguanas Primary School and excelled in his studies. While the opportunity was available for additional schooling, his father felt it was best for young Fitzroy to start working and supporting himself. At the age of 16, Fitzroy started working for the Caroni Sugar Factory and worked there for many years as a turner and mechanic. He then moved on to work for Britain Tasker in Chaguanas as a welder and mechanic.

Fitzroy was well liked in his hometown and was considered one of the best dressed men in Chaguanas. He didn’t like buying clothes off the rack and actually had a tailor and shoemaker who prepared his clothes and shoes. He used his shoes to dance and was considered quite a dancer. He worked hard during the week, but weekend life consisted of dancing, playing cards and hanging out with friends and family. Annette says of him “He was a good brother to me and everybody liked him.” While in Trinidad he had three children, Joanne, Malcolm and Marlene Pierre. He married Delcina Ash in 1961.

During the 1960’s there was a desire for many on the island to leave for better opportunities. Fitzroy was no different, so in December 1970 he moved his family to Hunt, Texas in search of that better life. Fitzroy and Delcina were employed on a working ranch in Hunt and adjusted to life in Texas. All the children excelled in school because Fitzroy did not play when it came to education. In 1971 the family moved to Austin where Fitzroy held multiple jobs and attended school to become a certified welder in the U.S. In 1973 Marvin Pierre joined the family. One job in Austin that stood out was when he worked for White Westinghouse. Opportunities happen for those who prepare and in 1975 Fitzroy moved his family to Houston, Texas because of his work for National Supply Company as a welder. He worked there for many years but the economic downturn in the 1980’s forced him to seek other opportunities in Houston.

Fitzroy married Debra Williams in 1988 and within that union Christopher Pierre was born. Fitzroy enjoyed cooking gumbo and barbecuing. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering at his church, traveling, playing cards with friends and family, walking and just enjoying life. He enjoyed a healthy life until three years ago when he suffered a stroke. Fitzroy leaves a host of family in the U.S. and Trinidad.

A visitation for Fitzroy will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, followed by a funeral services from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.