Aldwin Harangee

wife of eighteen years, Maureen, and his two daughters, Glen, and Wendy, were with him.

Aldwin Fitzroy Harangee, affectionately known to some as Roysie, was born on August 24th, 1930, in San Fernando, Trinidad.

He was raised by his mother, Ruth O’Connor, and a family friend, Lucy Hamilton, known to us as

Tantie Lucy or Miss Lucy.

As a boy, he was the pick-up and delivery service for Miss Lucy, who did washing and ironing for a

living. He often told us that he would sometimes skip school and go to the beach as a boy. One

fateful day, as he was diving into the water, he hit his chest on some rocks; he was terrified to let

Miss Lucy know what happened. However, according to Aunt Pearl, when Miss Lucy found out and

saw his bruises, she was most concerned about getting him better. We are sure that his love of the

beach began back then.

Although he only had an elementary school education, Aldwin was an avid lifelong learner. He

learned carpentry and how to paint houses and could fix almost anything; he had subscriptions to

Popular Science and Mechanics. The books would arrive by mail, and he would often sit and read

them from cover to cover. He loved music, sports, and movies. He could hold a conversation about

any sports-related or current issue.

Aldwin lived for a while in Point Fortin with his late wife Veronica and their children. Shell Oil

Company employed him as a maintenance person, painting and repairing bungalows for foreign

workers and their families.

Years later, he would relocate his family to San Fernando. He continued his employment with Shell

Oil and commuted daily to Point Fortin.

In 1967, his wife Veronica pursued an opportunity to come to the United States. She was employed

as a domestic, and Aldwin arrived in New York after a year. Their children followed, and in 1969,

Aldwin acquired employment at Mary Manning Walsh nursing home in their mail room. When a

maintenance position became available, he filled the job. He worked at the nursing home for over

forty years until his retirement. He never took a sick day or vacation time. He was not all work; he

knew how to have fun. The family became part of the larger Caribbean community and would

participate in boat and bus rides, Independence dances, and house parties given by friends to

celebrate special occasions and their or their children's milestones.

Within two years of their children's arrival, Aldwin and Veronica purchased a home in Brooklyn, New

York, which remains the family home. Plans to build a home and retire to Trinidad were partially

fulfilled. The home was built but unfortunately on January 24th, 2001, Veronica passed away after a

seven-year battle with breast cancer.

Aldwin had lost his anchor. After some time passed, he began to travel to Trinidad to do

maintenance on the house. He connected with his sister Pearl and her late husband Arnim

Hawkins. He would visit his mother and spend time with them.

Three years after his wife’s death, he was introduced to Maureen, and the rest, as they say, is

history. Aldwin married Maureen in New York on September 23rd, 2005. He was welcomed into a

warm, loving, and generous family, including her children Andy Ali and Natalie Cameron and their

children and spouses.

He and Maureen relocated to Orlando, Florida in May of 2009. Here they found a community of

warm, caring, and generous neighbors who became like family.

Aldwin said that he was a very lucky man; he had not one but two good wives. Here in Florida, he

would go on family vacations with Natalie and her husband Tony and their children. When he was

stubborn about going on vacation, Maureen would send the “enforcer” Tony to convince him. He

had a special connection with their oldest son Joseph. He used to say that Joseph was Maureen’s

“man of business” and that he was born to deal with old people because of his patience.

Last year on his 93rd birthday he was thrown a big birthday bash with friends and family came from

all over to celebrate. He was very pleased and happy!

Thank you to everyone who made this occasion possible. Aldwin leaves behind to cherish his

memory his devoted wife Maureen, his children Glen, Wendy (husband Ian), Stefan (wife Barbara)

and Sterling and Brian (wife Richie); Eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His sister

Pearl Hawkins and family, his adopted sister and cousin Angela (Ruthvin) Balbosa and family. The

Cameron family, Natalie, Tony, Joseph, Natalia, and Justin. A host of other family and friends and

loved ones but most of all he leaves behind lots of good memories and his wicked sense of humor.

The family wishes to thank everyone who called and dropped by and brought food, drinks, and

flowers.

We would also like to thank the Paramedics, Hospital Staff and Family Funeral Care.

A celebration gathering for Aldwin will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 13001 South John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837, followed by a celebration of life service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.