- Date Of Birth: April 6, 1930
- Date Of Death: March 23, 2021
- State: Pennsylvania
Joseph Aristhomene Pierre1930~2021Born in Paran, Saint Marc on April 6th, 1930, Joseph Aristhomene Pierre was the oldest of Pierre Juste Pierre and Assefille Cadet seven children: Damestoire Pierre, Mercia Fleuridor, Solange Vertilus, Mediateur Pierre, Yvete Joseph, and Robert Pierre. During his primary years of education, Joseph went to school in a small rural town called Bokozelle located on the outskirts of Saint Marc, Haiti and completed his secondary years of schooling in Saint Marc.After graduating high school, Joseph work alongside his parents on the family farm where he cultivated the tools to become a passionate framer, dedicated provider, authentic leader, and an influential individual. In 1950, Joseph’s first child Rosemary Charles was born. With the birth of his daughter, Joseph knew he wanted a family but longed for a woman who would give him strength and support when the burdens of life fell on his shoulders. A year later, he married the love of his life Dumezine Dalzon who gave birth to his ten children: Marie Evelin Pierre, Jean Paul Pierre, Wisler Pierre, Renold Pierre, Catharine Pierre-Rosia, Odette Pierre-Saint Cloud, Jacques Pierre, Assefille Louis, Denise Josiaste, and Marie Pierre-Cleophat. Instead of forcing his children to follow in his footsteps by farming and nurturing the land that bore their family name, he instead pushed for his children to achieve heights greater than what he had accomplished. Joseph often told his children, “I am placing you on the rails and leaving nothing but an education.” He made sure his children understood that success is achieved through hard work, perseverance, and education.Joseph was devoted to providing for his family and from sunrise to sunset could be found tirelessly working on his farm with his trusted hat that protected him from the brutal rays of the sun and even a rock or two aimed at his head. Joseph believed the best way to ensure his children’s future was by immigrating to the United States. With the help of his younger brother Robert, who was already settled over sees, Joseph immigrated to America in the 70’s. After two years, Joseph moved to Philadelphia where he worked at Saint David’s Inn for many years until he was able to bring his wife and children to America where they worked towards their aspirations. In the early 2000’s, after a visit from Haiti. Joseph told his daughter Odette he wanted to create some sort of learning program for the underprivileged children and Odette agreed to help. In 2004, an education program was created for local children who could not afford schooling. In 2008, the program was recognized by the Department of Education in Haiti as a certified educational program giving birth to the school Ecole Mixte Etoile Du matin. In 2020, the school was renamed Ecole Mixte Joseph Aristhomene Pierre.Joseph A. Pierre has left his legacy in the hands of his children, 51 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and the generations to come. His vibrant spirt has eternally impacted his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many more. Although Joseph accomplished so much, he still had many things he wanted to do. Through Joseph’s story, we learn that all you have is the present, so take the risk and live your dreams.
