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Name: |
" Michael Vernon " |
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D.O.B: |
11/05/1961 |
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D.O.D |
08/21/2023 |
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Country From: |
Jamaica |
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State /
Parish: |
NULL |
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Place of Death |
Long Island, New York
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Service Date |
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Details: |
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The funeral service for the late Michael Vernon is on Friday September 15th 2023 at St. David's Episcopal Church, located 117-35 235th St. Cambria Heights, New York.
Viewing:5:00pm-7:00pm
Service:7:00pm
The burial for the late Michael Vernon will be at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, NY.
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Special Info |
Michael Anthony Vernon was born on November 5, 1961, in Kingston, Jamaica. He was the beloved and cherished son of Brenda and Timothy Vernon, and the only brother to his sisters - Paulette, Sylvia, Veronica, and Jennifer. Michael entered the world as a robust baby, weighing nearly 11 pounds. His early years were marked by remarkable physical strength, evident in his passion for weightlifting and boxing. No task was too challenging for him, earning him the affectionate nickname "Bigga."
Michael's formative years were defined by two distinct passions: an enduring love for food and an unwavering fascination with horses. Even in his youth, Michael's heart was drawn to the thrilling world of horse racing. During his teenage years, you could often find him amidst the cheers and wagers at Caymanas Park in Portmore, Jamaica. Yet, his sanctuary was the heart of his family's home - the kitchen. There, he quietly observed his mother, Brenda, as she prepared a wide array of meals seven days a week. Brenda's love for cooking cultivated Michael's discerning palate, enabling him to savor and distinguish between the layers of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques. Family gatherings were a source of joy to Michael, and these occasions were often marked by playful spats between he and his sister, Veronica. Their lighthearted disagreements were especially noticeable during the Easter tradition of indulging in bun and cheese.
Michael's adventurous spirit sometimes resulted in repercussions with his mother, Brenda, which echoed the saying, "Who nuh hear, muss feel." His daring escapades, which included skipping school to go swim at Port Royale Beach or to go catch fish at sea, often tested the boundaries set by Ms. Brenda. On one fateful day, a neighbor informed Brenda that Michael had nearly drowned, but luckily, a local fisherman had saved him.
In the late 1980s, Michael embarked on a new chapter, coming to the United States, leaving behind some of the adventures and lessons of his Jamaican youth. He would settle in Bayside, Queens, with his sister Sylvia. There, Michael's promising mechanic skills and fascination with automobiles led him to a career as a mechanic technician. His employment included Bay Chevrolet, and most recently M&T auto collision.
Michael's interests spanned a wide spectrum - from cooking to sports, and a keen awareness of global affairs and politics. His culinary talents shone brightly as he prepared delightful meals for our family and dishes for church coffee hours on Sunday mornings. He was a versatile and adept homemaker, earning his place as the linchpin of 71 Forest Road. Michael was not only an excellent cook but also an avid gardener who beautified the yards with his flower gardens. Our neighbors will dearly miss the gentle giant who worked tirelessly on the yard.
Within the family, Michael was the bedrock of dependability. Whether it was taking Jodie to daycare, helping Sylvia with a flat tire, moving furniture, painting a room, taking Paulette to work, running errands, or caring for his mother during her battle with dementia, Michael could always be counted on. So, when lung cancer took a toll on his health and affected his physical well-being, this change left us on less solid ground.
To his nieces and nephews, Michael played an integral role as uncle, but for some, an even more important role, as a father figure. He instilled guidance and discipline when they strayed, and wisdom and street smarts, always encouraging them to "take their book" and make wise choices. Although he had no biological children, the unwavering love and support that he dispensed on Jodie and Alex won him fatherhood status.
The bond between Michael and his sisters was steadfast and enduring. Yet, they didn't always outwardly express, the love they held inside for one another. At times, they found themselves engaged in quarrels, clashes, and moments of impatience. These occasional clashes often led to frank, and at times heated, discussions and disagreements.
Yet, beneath the surface, his sisters were acutely aware that, the ties that bound them were far mightier than any of their differences... deepening their understanding, trust, and comfort of one another.
Michael forged his own path and danced to the beat of his own drum. Even when his sisters cautioned him on matters, or advised him to go in a certain direction, Michael would choose to venture in the opposite direction. And when they encouraged him to take a softer approach in his communication dealings, well, Michael wasn’t one to look the other way, especially if he felt compelled to speak his mind.
He was a man unwaveringly true to his authentic self, navigating life guided by his inner compass. Michael defied conventional norms, and although his choices may have appeared unorthodox at times, they were consistently grounded in good intentions and a kind heart.
Though Michael's absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his friends and family, the legacy of his one-of-a-kind cooking, caregiving spirit, and boundless kindness will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was a testament to authenticity and unwavering devotion to family, and to the beauty of life's journey.
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[1911]
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