A Father, Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and Loyal Friend
Dante’ Devon Hamm was born on April 9, 1979 in Washington, DC. He was the older of two sons born to Sherri “Renee’” Hamm and the only son born to Herbert Benjamin Montgomery. Dante’ grew up in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland as a people person who never met a stranger. He was the same person no matter who was in his presence. Whether the encounter called for a verbal debate, a good old-fashioned “joaning” session or someone needed to be “schooled,” he was ready to oblige. Dante’ was the light of everyone’s life, especially his parents, and had everyone wrapped around his little finger from Day One. Rarely referred to as Dante’, early on he was blessed with several nicknames, some of which stuck throughout his life: “Double D,” “Double,” “Old Man,” “Te,” “Twin” and, wait for it… “Old Man Stanky Wank” just to name a few. Double was naturally curious, smart and quick-witted; he was a jokester who was fiercely loyal to all he considered family or friend. Always the life of the party, at family gatherings he commanded a captive audience with his gift for gab, infamously quotable “Danté•isms” and uncanny way of holding everyone’s attention with belly-aching laughter. Double kept his family and friends in stitches using his unique ability to story tell with full-blown re-enactments, a skill he picked up from “Daddy.” He instilled loyalty and honor in his son, brother and cousins, all of whom looked up to him with a huge sense of pride.
As a young adult, Dante’ met and fell in love with Charquisa who preceded him in death. From this union, their one and only son, Remy Devon Hamm, was born. Remy was Dante’s number one priority, and he used every opportunity to school Remy on the complexities of life and human nature. Dante’ passed along his PhD in Survival to Remy with fatherly pride. Even as Remy towered over Dante’ in stature, there was no mistaking the respect he always held for his father. Everyone will miss Double’s infectious personality, but no one more than his parents. Renee’ has warm thoughts of a son who literally grew up with her and, as a youngster, made her feel it was always them against the world. He was loyal to her then and remained loyal to the end. Herbert will recall that Dante’ was the only person special enough to make him a father -- a gift he will carry with him forever. Their similarities in mannerism and personality are unmatched, and Double’s memory will live on in his father. Daddy (Dante’s maternal grandfather and first best friend) will remember his first grandson as the little guy he helped raise who hung on every word while sticking to him like glue; they were inseparable, joined at the heart and had their own language. "Glo" (Dante’s maternal grandmother), who preceded him in death, was his closest confidant and shared an unbreakable bond. Words were not necessary between the two of them; it was understood. Momma (Dante’s paternal grandmother), who also preceded him in death, coined his special nickname -- “Double D.” They were very special to each other, and Double D often sought comfort by cuddling in bed with Momma rubbing her arm, especially while suffering through one of his asthma attacks. Malik will always cherish the brother who never stopped reminding him the importance of keeping your word, honoring black culture and protecting their mother. Although first cousins, Dante’ and Contea (who he affectionately called “Cheese”) grew up as brothers. Dante’ instilled in him what it meant to be “stand up” and “ten toes down” at all times. Remy’s fondest memories will be of the special moments shared with a dad gone too soon, but who will never ever be forgotten -- whether they were watching TV together, playing video games, just riding around town listening to trap music or recording live videos. He also loved for his dad to attend his games and make surprise pop-ups at school. Dante’, in a word, was and will always be “unforgettable!”
Wednesday evening, March 24, 2021 at 8:44 pm, Dante’ peacefully departed this life and joined his grandparents: June aka “Momma,” Herbert, Sr. and Gloria aka “Mother Goose;” aunts: Cheryl, Carolyn, Marsha and Judy; and cousins: Arthur, Jr., Kyle and Tonisha. The memories of Dante’s strong family ties and gregarious sense of humor; his personal sense of style; his ability to always dispense the cold, hard truth; and his fierce and undying loyalty will be forever cherished by his son: Remy; bonus daughter: Ja’Pria; parents: Renee’ and Herbert; grandfather: Jesse, Sr. aka “Daddy” (Mary); brother: Malik aka “Mook Large;” aunts: Pamela (Arthur), Esther and Tina aka “Sugawuga;” uncles: Callie (Judy), Alton, Jr., William, Sr. and Jesse, Jr. aka “Unc;” cousins: Nina, Sean, Anjanette aka “Pooh”(Christopher), Contea, William, Jr., Lanyea, Alton III, Kinia, Micaiah, Makia, Jamaal, Jesstin and Jeremiah; very special friend: Le Attris aka “Le Le;” and a host of other relatives and friends.
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