Allan Milton Vassell

He was 98 years old.

Allan was born on November 12, 1927 in the verdant and tranquil parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica to Kathryn Tate and Alexander Vassell. During his childhood he enjoyed tender moments with his siblings and fishing with his family.

As a young man, he migrated to New York City, where he met and married Enid Agatha Lewin. Their blended family included three beloved children- two daughters, Sybil and Monica, and one son, Bromley.

Allan Vassell had a desire to continue his education and went to night school to complete his studies.

This industrious and reliable man was also a manager for Chock Full O’ Nuts (Heavenly Coffee) for over 40 years.

Allan was a steadfast and beloved family man of faith. He was a humanitarian who was committed to lifelong service in his communities and to the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He was awarded the prestigious accolade of Deacon of the Year in 1981 at the City Tabernacle of Seventh Day Adventists Church, located in Hamilton Heights, Harlem, New York City.

In 1993 Allan and his wife, Enid, relocated to Ocala, Florida. The temperate climate reminded them of their cherished homeland of Jamaica.

For 63 years, Allan and Enid served their communities in the Bronx and Ocala, Florida. Their home was a respite for many.

Upon relocating to Ocala, Allan, a lifelong and devoted Christian, who followed the Seventh Day Adventist Ministry, found a community and enjoyed worshipping at the Hope Springs Seventh Day Adventist Church in Silver Springs, Florida.

With a legacy of faith, service and love, Allan touched the lives and hearts of all who knew him.

Allan truly believed in the adage ‘Health is Wealth’. He enjoyed cooking healthy dishes. One of his favorite dishes was a salad made with grated carrots and raisins. In his children’s youth, as an occasional indulgence, he used to bring home pound cake & brownies after his shifts at Chock Full O’ Nuts. He believed in a healthy diet and kept nimble and fit by exercising. He was also an avid gardener with a ‘Green Thumb’ who successfully grew vegetables and fruits such as papaya trees, Scotch Bonnet peppers and yams. His garden nostalgically reminded him of their beloved Jamaica.

Among his many attributes was his willingness to selflessly offer to help anyone, with almost anything. He would often aid his neighbors by mowing their lawns and bringing them meals.

Allan was usually the first person to volunteer to pick someone up from the airport. He excelled at being a humble spirit with a unique ability to work hard at a task and relished figuring out the best way to complete it.

Answering to Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Allan, Maas Allan, Cousin Allan – he responded to all with love and kindness.

Allan will always be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.

Allan Vassell is preceded in death by his Wife Enid Vassell, his cherished Mother, Kathryn Tate, his Father, Alexander Vassell, his Siblings, Lloyd Vassell, Tomlin Vassell, Lynn Baxter, Nineitha Vassell and his Grandson Godfrey.

Allan Vassell is survived by his Siblings Dorothy Vassell Ellison, Shirley Vassell Palmer, Keith Vassell, and Pansy Vassell; his Children Sybil Ewing and companion, Lanceford, and Bromley Vassell and wife, Catherine; Grandchildren, Eric and wife, Hisha, Folami and partner, Thomas, Shawn and wife, Joanna, Fela and husband, Fernando, and Aaron Vassell; Great-Grandchildren, Devina, Morgan, Amber, Jordan, Shannon, Fernando and Addison; Confidantes Patrick and Monica Lyle; Caretaker Sandra Tribble; and innumerable beloved Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, In-laws, Family and Friends.

With great respect, the family thanks Funeral Director, Jason Price and his staff at Forest Lawn as well as the staff and residents who cared for Allan at Avante at Ocala Nursing Home, and everyone he touched in his later years. The family extends their thanks to everyone who visited, sent a card and prayed for Allan Vassell.