Avelino Olvero Samuel

Avelino Olvero Samuel (affectionately known as "Bino") was born on July 17, 1956, to the late Willis Otino Samuel and Doris Eugenie Samuel in Coral Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands. He attended Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School in Coral Bay and Julius E. Sprauve Junior High School in Cruz Bay before graduating from Nazareth Bay Senior High School (now Ivanna Eudora Kean High School) in 1974.

Avelino pursued higher education at the College of the Virgin Islands (now the University of the Virgin Islands) before transferring to North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T), where he earned his bachelor's degree in industrial arts education, graduating summa cum laude in 1980. He continued his studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, further refining his expertise. After completing his education, Avelino returned home to St. John, where he spent 23 years teaching at Julius E. Sprauve School until his retirement in 2011. As an educator, he shaped generations of Virgin Islanders in woodturning, design, drafting, and architecture, earning a reputation for being demanding but fair, always encouraging excellence.

Avelino’s love for woodworking began in childhood, crafting spinning tops and bows and arrows for his siblings. His passion evolved into designing furniture inspired by traditional Caribbean craftsmanship, culminating in his mastery of woodturning. He became renowned for his distinctive style of ornate, hand-turned hollow vessels, using tropical woods such as genip, raintree, and West Indian mahogany.

A self-taught artist, Avelino was a proud member of the American Association of Woodturners, where he found camaraderie with fellow artisans. His unique techniques and custom tools made him a sought-after speaker and presenter at woodturning symposiums, showcasing his craft to audiences across the U.S. and far beyond—from Tanzania to Australia. He was deeply committed to cultural preservation, serving on the boards of the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Beyond his artistry, Avelino was an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman. He competed in the St. Thomas Advanced Power League and North Carolina’s Open Volleyball League, and represented the Virgin Islands as a member of the VI National Men’s Volleyball Team and the 1992 VI Four-Man Beach Volleyball Team. His love for spearfishing led him to craft custom mahogany-encased spearfishing guns, showcasing his ingenuity. He also found joy in archery, blending his precision with his craftsmanship.

Avelino is survived by his sons: Evin A. Samuel and Jonte W. Samuel; his siblings: Graciela Samuel Alexander, Wayne Samuel, Alberto Samuel, Carmen Samuel-Hodge, Karen Samuel, Coreen Samuel, Curtiss Samuel, Brenda Morris, Christine Samuel, Ricardo Samuel, and Cicely Samuel; his significant other, Monique Matthias; nieces: Claudette Scatliffe, Claudine Scatliffe, Claudia Scatliffe, Natasha Jeffers-Locke, Linda Sullivan Williams, Lisa Maynard Williams, Sahara Samuel-Warrell, Darcia Samuel, Chaunte Samuel-Herbert, Megan Hodge Easy, Sedelah Haller, Samira Francis, Rachel Samuel, Simone Samuel, Jada Samuel; nephews: Femi Ilori, Tayo Ilori, Michael S Hodge, Curtiss Samuel Jr., Oliver Morris Jr. He is also survived by aunts: Gloria Samuel, Marva Applewhite, Mabel Callwood-Richardson, Carmen Callwood-Parillon, Harriett Sanders, Gloria Scatliffe; uncles: Elroy Henley, Charles Callwood, Michael Callwood, Richard Callwood; brothers-in-law: Michael C Hodge, Oliver Morris Sr., William Alexander; sisters-in-law: Alexandra Samuel, Judith Samuel; godchildren: Aliyah Allick, Marquis Pilgrim, Glendia Williams, Tisha Williams-Burgess; and numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Avelino’s life was one of artistry, dedication, and passion. His legacy lives on through the students he mentored, the communities he enriched, and the works of art he lovingly crafted. He will be remembered for his exceptional talent, unwavering commitment, and profound impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

You're invited to join us in celebrating the life of Avelino O. Samuel on Saturday, July 12th at 10:30 AM at Ms. Lucy’s in Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

To support travel, round-trip shuttle service will be provided from the STT/STJ Ferry Dock in Cruz Bay, departing upon arrival of the 9:00 AM ferry and returning in time for the 3:00 PM ferry. For those arriving from Tortola, please make your way to the STT/STJ Ferry Dock in Cruz Bay for shuttle access. Shuttle buses will also be available from Emmaus Church in Coral Bay to Ms. Lucy's for anyone parking on the field.

We look forward to gathering in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for a life richly lived. Feel free to wear festive attire.

Tributes for inclusion in the memorial booklet are welcome and may be submitted by Sunday, June 29th, 2025 to: [email protected].

We’re grateful for the memories you choose to share as we celebrate Avelino’s life and legacy. While we will make every effort to include as many as possible, please note that these will be selected or edited based on space and formatting considerations.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider honoring Avelino Samuel's memory with a contribution to a memorial fund being established in his name. The Avelino O. Samuel Memorial Art Fund will support scholarships and accessible art programming for young creatives—continuing the work he cared so deeply about and extending his legacy far into the future. Details regarding how to donate are pending finalization.