Vincent Aloysius Alexander

Vincent Aloysius Alexander was born in Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. to Marie Louise Cottman and Bertram Alexander on July 11th, 1930. He was one of 9 children on his mother’s side, and 11 on his father’s side. Vincent grew up with a few nicknames; “Barrel” and “Laughton,” after the actor Charles Laughton, because he was a stout child, “Lanza,” because he had a nose like the famous movie-star/opera singer Mario Lanza, and most affectionately, “Vinny-Boy,” by a few select friends. In 1949, Vincent had his first child, Vincent A. Alexander Jr, with Carmen Wade, “Queenie.” While living at 8 Central Road with his Godmother, Miriam Hall, “Ma-Mirie,” a neighborhood friend, Raymond Baxter, played matchmaker between Vincent and his sister Gerdina Baxter, “GB,” who lived at 10 Central Road. Their romance blossomed and Vincent married Gerdina on December 17, 1950, in Kingston, Jamaica. They had 2 children: Diana Marie, and Joan Mary. Upon seeing an advertisement in The Gleaner, “Come to Britain and Realize Your Ambition,” offering education, healthcare, and a job in the UK – they decided to seek a new path forward – overseas. Vincent, along with Raymond, emigrated in 1954, followed by Gerdina in 1956. Diana and Joan subsequently joined their parents in England and the family grew to 5 children: Marcia Theresa, Yvonne Josephine, and Michael James, in Birmingham, UK. Always having an interest in machinery and how things worked, Vincent started working at a mechanics shop at the age of 14. At 16-years old, his angel, Mother Veronica, sent someone to his mother’s home to find him. She called upon Vincent and 5 of the smartest boys in the school to be recommended for employment with Issa & Brothers haberdashery shoppes. That was the beginning of a work-ethic that would follow Vincent his entire life, as he vowed to himself to never let Mother Veronica down – she was truly his guardian angel. Upon emigrating to UK, Vincent went to night school to learn the details of the trade he already held dear – mechanic/machinist, where he mastered the tool and die making skills and machinery of the trade. He was employed by Metals & Alloy for years before planning another move, to the US. Upon the encouragement of Gerdina’s sister, Vyolette, the family emigrated once again, this time to the United States, in 1971 to St. Albans, Queens, NY, before settling in Queens Village, NY in 1973. With the assistance of family, Vincent secured employment at Amstar Corporation, Domino Sugar in Brooklyn, NY, where he worked for 20+ years. In his role there he was the first black machinist and the first black shop steward for Domino Sugar, from which he retired in 1993. Always a handy DIY’er, Vincent was on the forefront of home-repairs. Wallpaper, painting, carpentry, construction, pavers, cement, etc. – he was a jack-of-all trades; except electrical and plumbing because, as he said, “…you can’t see what’s happening on the other side of the wall with them both, you either get a leak or electrocuted!” But his skills certainly made a comfortable home for the family with the latest amenities. Vincent was a strong, stoic, independent man who was always focused on providing the best for his family. He was a deep thinker and an avid reader – always interested in the history of man and the politics that formed the world. He revered the Catholic Church and often reflected on the support and guidance that Mother Veronica provided to him as a child and young man. It was her care that provided him opportunity and developed his committed work ethic. As a man that did not have much as a child, he always ensured his family was safe, secure, and in need of nothing. Not one to quickly offer advice, but when asked, Vincent would share his thoughts and impart some wisdom on the topic. His reach was wide in the support he provided to his immediate family and that of his siblings. Vincent is survived by his 6 children: Vincent Jr., Diana, Joan, Marcia, Yvonne, and Michael; his 14 grandchildren: Valerie, Vini Ann, Marcia, Vincent III, Sophia, Christopher, Joanne, Andrew, Pia, Alexander, Nia, Cherice, Amy, and Travis; 23 great-grandchildren: Draekwon, Semeika, Tavon, Taekwon, Jaykob, Jiles, August, Aubree, Alexander, Aiden, Ayla, Chloe, Evan, Gia, Jayde, Alexavier, Braylon, jordan, Tyson, Cossandra, Emelia, Jesenia, and Christilina; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. We know that Vincent is at peace and resting well. Job well done Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa…

Tributes

Vincent Aloysius Alexander

July 11, 1930 - November 27, 2023