Hopeton Yee

At age six, Hopeton and his family moved to China. They did so in part to honor the Chinese tradition of immersing their boys into the Chinese culture and teaching them Chinese customs. Hopeton lived in China until he was nineteen.

Catholic Missionary Priest helped Hopeton, his brothers and other family escape the Japanese invasion of China during World War II. His devotion to the Catholic Church was born through that experience. Hopeton felt blessed by his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren receiving their sacraments in the church.

When he returned to Jamaica from China he met Sweelen and married her on December 19, 1945.

Their son Astor was born on December 3, 1947 and another son Michael was born on April 28, 1963.

They had a wonderful life in Jamaica. They operated a family grocery store and bakery for several years.

Hopeton made the decision to immigrate with his family to the United States in 1967 to pursue greater opportunities. He initially worked as a machine operator for Bosch and Lomb in Rochester New York and then ultimately working for and retiring in 1993 from Bruton Industries in Springfield Gardens New York where he operated machinery that produced beautiful stainless steel furniture.

In his retirement he lived with Sweelen in Melbourne Florida. Hopeton loved getting to know people. He always found a commonality with everyone he met. Hopeton loved to talk about his time he spent in China. He told his children, grandchildren and friends of his experiences playing with his brothers and cousins and their exciting adventures.

Family was the center of Hopeton's life. He was not only proud of all of his children's and grandchildren’s achievements, he was equally proud of his sibling’s family and their accomplishments. Hopeton’s caring nature was felt by his friends who became part of his extended family.

Hopeton is survived by his wife of 66 years Sweelen; sons Astor and Michael; daughter in laws Doreen and Venice; grand children Brandon, Wendell, Marlon, Candice, Christopher and Natasha; granddaughter in law Mary; great grandchildren Luciano and Jaiden; Siblings Randolph, Noel, Clifton, Dolce, Cynthia and Wing Sling; over a dozen nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends.