Serge Frederique, Sr.

Serge “Papa” Frederique was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Saturday, November 25, 1944. He was the third child of the late Mellius and Marie Frederique. He is preceded by five siblings: Lucien Frederique, Mariam Frederique, Ghislane Charles, Mireille and Fritzbert Frederique.

Not one to talk about himself, Serge rarely spoke of his younger years, but he did lift weights and make pottery. He used to make fruit trays, cups, and tree trunks. He would often pick up objects and study them, most likely to figure out how to replicate them using clay.

In his early twenties, Serge befriended a man, who would later become his brother-in-law, to meet a young woman named Marie. Together, they built a life that included their seven children. During that time, he always made sure to take care of his family, which often required taking on numerous jobs: sewing caps, feather dusters, and handkerchiefs to sell at the market in Haiti. He also made and sold soap for the laundry and even had a small business selling “fresco” through the streets of Port-au-Prince. He was a hustler, through and through. Serge never shied away from rolling up his sleeves and being a hard worker for his loved ones.

By his thirties, Serge became a teacher in La Gonave, Haiti. His favorite subject was math throughout his life would tutor students, his children, and grandchildren. Seeking a better life for his family, Serge immigrated to the United States in 1984 and stayed in Brooklyn, NY with his brother, Lucien, for a couple of months. With the help of family and friends, he relocated to Waltham, MA to lay the foundation to bring the rest of his family from Haiti.

From humble beginnings and for twenty years, Serge was no stranger to hard work: he would wake daily at 4:30 AM to work at McDonald’s from 5-2:00 PM and head straight to the Marriott Hotel from 4-11:00 PM. He never complained, yet always provided for his family. In March of 1998, Serge fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a home. He and his family settled in Methuen, MA, until his retirement led him and his wife to leave the cold weather behind and move to Florida.

Serge looked forward to returning to Massachusetts in the summers to visit with his children and grandchildren. He would play Dominoes with friends and his belated brother, Fritzbert. Positioned in his comfy chair with headphones, he would listen to Haitian podcasts.

A giving and generous man, Serge would always be the first to lend a hand, and ear, and gave advice to anyone in need. That is his legacy. He was Papa to all and will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Serge is survived by his wife of fifty-plus years, Marie Etienne Frederique; his seven children: Judith Frederique, Nahomie Mondesir and her husband, Emmanuel, Magalie Charles and her husband, Yves, Serge J. Frederique and his wife, Dana, Jude Frederique, Monique Frederique, and Claudel Frederique and his wife, Melissa; thirteen grandchildren: Stephanie Martinez and her husband, Richard, Kendall, Kendrick and Kevin Denose, Ricardo and Brandon Mondesir, Terrence, Jonathan and Valerie Charles, Allyssa, Jadah, Isaac, and Jaclynn Frederique; great-grandchild, DJ Keene; and three siblings: Gladys Belval, Wilner, and Rachelle Frederique; as well as countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, August 29, 2021, from 9:00-10:30 AM at Riverside Assembly of God, 15 Lowell Boulevard,Methuen, MA. His funeral mass will begin promptly at 10:30 AM in the church. Burial will follow immediately in Elmwood Cemetery, also in Methuen.