Harold Lassere

Harold Eugene Lassere, 98, passed away December 1, 2006 in Gulfport surrounded by his family. He was born January 18, 1908 in the Pineville Community of Pass Christian where he was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Harold was a well-known watchmaker, businessman, and musician.
At the young age of twelve, Harold demonstrated his natural talent for watchmaking by creating his own tools and using them to repair watches. Then at sixteen, Harold began his jewelry career as an apprentice to a watchmaker in Gulfport. He moved on to work at Brooklyn Field in Mobile, AL, where he fixed timing instruments for WWII airplanes which had to be precise. After the war, Harold and his friend, William Shelton, opened a jewelry store on Howard Ave. in Biloxi. He later opened his own jewelry store, Watch Hospital, in downtown Gulfport where the Hancock Bank building now stands. He sold the Watch Hospital to open a jewelry store in Pass Christian near his residence in Pineville. With a strong passion for music, he opened a music store in downtown Gulfport in the early 70's. Harold was also owner of Pik Quik convenient store in Pineville.
Harold was a charter member and eldest member of the MS Gulf Coast Jazz Society where twice he served as Mardi Gras King. He volunteered as a musician and deputy sheriff for Harrison County. He played music for convalescent homes where he was usually older than those he was entertaining. He would return home from playing for the children at the South Mississippi Regional Center in Long Beach with a big smile on his face. He spoke of the joy he received from the children there. They would dance to his music and give him aÌ‚â‚Å“thank youâ₝ hugs. Harold had even played music with the late Tex Ritter (father of the late actor, John Ritter) when he had visited the MS Coast.
While working out in the French Riviera Spa at age 82, Harold was interviewed by WLOX for a segment on health & fitness. The anchorwoman then followed him to another location where he was playing music with his jazz band. She commented that she couldnaÌ‚â‚â„¢t aÌ‚â‚Å“keep upâ₝ with him. The last statement he made during that interview was that he was aÌ‚â‚Å“aiming for 100""""!
Harold struggled with the consequences of Hurricane Katrina. He lost a dear friend and fellow musician, Ted Gifford, whom he fondly spoke of often. Because of the impact the storm had on his home, he lost the majority of his musical instrument collection. However, he couldnaÌ‚â‚â„¢t have been more thankful to the numerous volunteers who helped in the repair of his home. He called them angels from God.
Mr. Lassere stayed active throughout his amazing life and was young at heart. In addition to his love of music, he loved dancing. As a young man, he was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He also loved going out to eat. Mr Lassere enjoyed lunches at Choice Supermarket in Long Beach where employees and friends looked forward to seeing him and hearing his interesting stories. He inspired everyone he met. He was an extraordinary man who stood out in a crowd dressing in a suit and hat and in his latter years wore a ponytail. He commented aÌ‚â‚Å“musicians wear themâ₝. While a young business owner in downtown Gulfport, he was voted best dressed businessman 2 consecutive years.
Harold Lassere was a wonderful Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great-Great Grandpa and friend. He was always there for his family and friends who are happy and grateful to have been blessed with his presence for so many years. He will be dearly missed.
Mr. Lassere is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene """"Red"""" & Minnie Holley Lassere; his wife, Victoria Bugna Lassere; a daughter, Mary Ann Fayard and two sisters, Montez Demourelle and Olivia Reid.
He is survived by his daughter, Joan Everett; his son, John Lassere and his sister, Katherine Dubuisson all of the Pineville Community; 12 grandchildren, Melanie Harshbarger, Regina Warren, Tracy Patridge, Rebecca Watts, Vicki Murray, Clay Fayard, Gene Fayard, Maria Preston, Melissa Busby, Amy Wagner, Melissa Parker, and Courtney Peeler; 26 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 from 6-8pm with a recitation of the Rosary at 7pm at the Riemann Family's GULF COAST FUNERAL HOME, Kiln-DeLisle Road Chapel in Pass Christian.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pass Christian. Burial will follow at the Old DeLisle Cemetery. An online guestbook may be signed at