Jean Fritz Martial

Jean Fritz Martial, affectionately known as Fritz or “Boss,” was a man of faith, intellectual curiosity, extraordinary generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and beloved homeland of Haiti.

Born in Tiburon, Haiti, to Marcel Martial and Marie André Grandoit, Fritz spent part of his childhood in Dame-Marie, where he excelled academically. His secondary education began in L’Anse-d’Hainault and continued at Lycée Toussaint Louverture in Port-au-Prince.

In 1969, Fritz immigrated to the United States, where he worked while continuing his education. While attending Baruch College, he worked nights in the stockroom at Macy’s and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Fritz joined Inner City Broadcasting Corporation (ICBC) as a bookkeeper and rose through the organization to become Vice President of Finance and Inspector General. While at ICBC, its chairman, the late Percy Sutton, gave Fritz the opportunity to produce and broadcast a radio program. That opportunity helped launch Moman Kreyòl on WLIB in 1979, pioneering Haitian Creole-language programming in mainstream New York radio. Through music, cultural programming, education, community discussions, and humanitarian initiatives, Fritz used the airwaves to connect and serve the Haitian diaspora.

His commitment to Haiti extended far beyond broadcasting. He helped establish the Committee to Help and Develop the Parish of Tiburon, supporting development initiatives in his beloved hometown. Returning to Haiti to live and work was a lifelong dream. He fulfilled that dream in 1999 when he joined Haiti

Telecommunication International, S.A. (HaiTel), where he eventually served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Fritz’s greatest pride was his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was known for his generosity, thoughtful gestures, and unwavering willingness to help others. He believed everyone deserved dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances or status.An avid reader, lifelong learner, and research connoisseur, Fritz maintained an extensive personal library and deeply believed in the value of education. His interests extended to literature, music, football, and gardening. His Catholic faith remained an important part of his life, and he regularly shared Psalms with family and friends—sometimes in the early hours of the morning.Those who knew Fritz will remember his honesty, strong spirit, warmth, and remarkable generosity. He loved bringing people together, celebrating special occasions, and reminding anyone experiencing stress to “Pozè”; to relax and take life a little easier.He leaves behind his loving wife, Magguie Martial; his six children, Marie Andree Martial, Jean Fritz Martial Jr., Frantz Martial, Marcelle Martial, Magda Martial, and Marsha Martial; his ten beloved grandchildren; three surviving siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.Fritz leaves a lasting legacy through his contributions to broadcasting, his dedication to Haiti, his commitment to education, and the countless lives he touched.His voice may be silent, but his legacy will continue to resonate across generations.