Pierre M. Etienne

Pierre Mondesir Etienne was born in Port-au-Price, Haiti, December 1, 1927, the eldest of a family of 12, and died peacefully in his home in NY, on June 4, 2025, in the company of loved ones. 

As a young man in Haiti, Mondesi, as he was called by his peers, was very involved in youthful activities. He was socially engaged for a better tomorrow. In the late 1950s, life called for a drastic change. 

He journeyed to New York City, eventually becoming a proud United States citizen and never looked back!  “I came here in 1960, and I am going to die here,” was one of his many famous sayings. His mind was made up—onward, forward!

Having settled in New York, Mondesir forged a new way of life as a family man, dedicated community member and advisor to many.  From humble beginnings, he built a productive, meaningful life for his family here in the United States. He worked diligently for the Woolworth’s Building for his entire working life.

He loved Sanford and Sons, The Jeffersons and The NY Mets. He loved being a father. He was cherished by his sons and instantly embraced by all three of his daughters-in-law. He spent quality time in the garage fixing cars and tending beautiful rose bushes in his yard. 

As a young man, he could be found sketching in an Artist's sketchpad. 

For his entire married life, he loved his wife Gladys’ delicious home-cooked traditional Haitian meals and her constant, loving companionship.

While he became an American citizen, he remained Haitian to the core—strong, wise and compassionate. He spoke three languages fluently but his kind eyes, gentle spirit and infectious laugh spoke a universally understood language of love that instantly warmed your heart. 

He was loved, adored and admired by all who survived him: his wife, Gladys Etienne, his sons and his daughters-in-law, Marc Edouard Etienne & Jacqueline Brogan, Donald Gene Etienne & Laurie Etienne and Christopher Etienne & Zieleyanne Fong-Etienne, his newborn grandson, Zayden Anthony Etienne.  As well as many other nieces and nephews, cousins, godchildren, neighbors and dear lifelong devoted friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Osisas Etienne and Lelia Delienne and all of his 12 beloved siblings but most recently his dear siblings, Berthe Fenelon, Antonio “Toto" Fenelon, and Jean Etienne.

In his last month, he was granted a lifelong wish which we all celebrate. 

He welcomed his beloved grandson, Zayden (the newborn son of his youngest son Christopher — the most exceptional loving, caretaker of him in his elder years— and his wife Zieleyanne) into his arms, passing on the Etienne legacy. 

The torch has been passed. He will be missed but his memory is a blessing to all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Pops. 

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