FRED FERNANDO ESANNASON

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines elder as “prior or superior in rank, office, or validity.” Affectionately known as “Elder Fred,” Fred Fernando Esannason distinguished himself as a superior man in his generation with an undeniable love of God, dedication to family, and commitment for the upliftment of humanity. On October 20, 1932, Harold Esannason and Consuelo Nicholas welcomed Fred to the world and their family in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

As a youth in St. Thomas, Fred experienced “the Great Depression,” which threatened his family’s financial security. Life became increasingly more difficult when Fred tragically lost his father at the age of 13. Eventually, Fred’s maternal grandmother became his primary guardian and raised him. Despite these challenges, Fred excelled in academics and sports such as track, basketball, softball, and baseball. While in school, Fred developed a lifelong love of Spanish and would quiz family and friends on phrases such as “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” Shortly after completing his studies, he joined the United States Army to fulfill a desire to serve humanity. 

During his service, Fred met and wed Beulah Leona Donovan. This marriage produced five offspring: Bernard A. Esannason, Gail M. Esannason, Fred A. Esannason, Angela C. Esannason, and Gary T. Esannason as well as 11 grandsons and one granddaughter. Fred and Beulah’s marriage lasted for 35 years until her untimely death due to illness. Influenced and motivated by Angela, who was the first to minister to her parents and siblings, Fred accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. 

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he returned to St. Thomas to establish himself. After the Army, he worked as a firefighter for several years. He subsequently worked for VICORP, a company that was the precursor of the Water and Power Authority. With a heart for uplifting others, Fred joined forces with the local Labor Union, and his membership in the Democratic Party brought him into acquaintances with many influential people. His acquaintances allowed him to grow and develop a passion for serving others. His example of service to others was the driving force in each of his children’s ambitions. 

Faced with growing financial challenges and empathy for his members, Fred, along with other union activists, sought national affiliation and contracted with the United Steelworkers of America. He won a charter for the Virgin Islands and became its founding President of Local 8248. This Union is one of the leading labor unions in the territory today. Later, Fred worked on an airport infrastructure project to expand the airport in St. Thomas. In his final chapter of employment, he decided to retire from governmental service, where he became an appraiser in the tax assessor office of the Lt. Governor’s Office. 

Fred became a member of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International and joined Faith Christian Fellowship Church, where his zeal and love for the Living Word were nurtured, and his walk with Jesus Christ began. It is in this environment that he met and developed a relationship with his wife Marguerite, who he married on June 22, 1991. Fred found love and devotion in this new phase and chapter of his life.

Upon his retirement, Fred migrated to Florida with his wife, Marguerite, to begin another chapter of his life. Fred and his wife, Marguerite, joined New Destiny Christian Center under the leadership of the late Dr. Zachery Tims.. In this ministry, both Fred and Marguerite were later ordained as Elders and served on the board of New Destiny Christian Center. Active in his church home, Fred participated in the Men of Destiny Ministry, Men’s Choir, Honor Guard, and Forever Young. Often, one could find Fred meeting weekly with several men from New Destiny for breakfast fellowship. He and his wife continued to serve in the office of Elder under Pastor Paula White at the City of Destiny. His love of God, family, and man remained central throughout Fred’s life. 

After a lengthy illness, Fred transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 11, 2020, with his beloved wife, Marguerite, at his side. His life embodied Acts 15:36: “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep….” A kind, noble man, Fred Fernando Esannason, served God’s purpose in his own generation. 

Fred was preceded in death by: one daughter, Angela Esannason Newton; two brothers: Harold Esannason, Jr. & Leander Esannason; and one sister: Thea Bernice Esannason. Fred leaves to cherish his memory and honor his life: his wife, Marguerite, three sons: Bernard A. Esannason, Fred A. Esannason (Laurina), and Gary T. Esannason, one daughter: Gail M. Esannason Leonard (Fernando), and ten siblings: Jean H. Esannason, Edmund Esannason, Olive Esannason, Allan Esannason, Carmen E. Esannason, Harry Esannason, Maude Esannason, Anthony Esannason, Viusa Wilson-Powell, Bert Newton, 12 grandchildren, other relatives, and many friends. 

Man of God. Father. Husband. Friend. Leader. Each of these words brilliantly captures the essence of Fred Fernando Esannason.

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