Itoma Alphanso Samuels

Itoma Alphanso Samuels of Mount Vernon, New York, passed away on June 16, 2022. He was 83 years old. Born in Pell River, Hanover Jamaica, to Lester Samuels and Mildred Lewis, he was raised as one of 10 children. Itoma graduated from Pell River All Ages School in Jamaica. He met his future wife, Joy, as a teenager in Jamaica through mutual family friends. Itoma moved to the United States in 1984, in hopes of providing a new life, and more prospects for his wife and children. Joy followed him to the United States shortly after. The couple lived most of their lives in Mount Vernon, NY where they raised their two children, Hugh and Tina.

Itoma worked as a Building Contractor for Barhite and Holzinger, located in Bronxville, New York, for approximately 30 years. His prior employment was also as a Building Contractor for Stevens Inc. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in his job as a Building Contractor. Itoma worked and provided for his family until his physical body succumbed to the effects of his illness.  He was a man of grit and persistence; his eagerness to continue working and providing while fighting, attested to this.

Itoma always made sure family came first and always enjoyed spending times surrounded by family and friends; he loved his grandchildren and doubtlessly spoiled them all.  When not with his family, he could be found socializing, exchanging stories, and playing dominoes with his many friends at D V’s Social Club. Itoma loved to build and fix things. He was a true and proud servant to his craft; his daughter recalls moments when the two of them would be driving together and he would point to establishments that he built with his hands; testaments of the giftedness of his hands.  He was also blessed with a giving and kind heart.  This was also evident in his kindness towards animals.  He will fondly be remembered for the wild birds that  greeted him as he drove up the driveway; he would feed them on his way out and when he returned home.

Itoma loved family parties, especially birthday parties. He would always show up with a second cake, even if he was reassured that there, already would be one there; this was his tradition. He also loved to cook and would let you know if he didn't like how you cooked something.

Itoma will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, relative and wonderful friend. He will be dearly missed; however, his family finds comfort in the many treasured memories he leaves behind.

Itoma, is survived by his loving wife, Joy, his son Hugh, his daughter, Tina and her husband, Michael, his grandchildren, Tyrae, Tessa, Taaj, and Levi. He will be missed by his siblings, Abel, Henroy, Claud, Joyce, Bethune, and Stephanie as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Lester Samuels and Mildred Lewis as well as his siblings, Evel, Audley, and Louise.

A celebration of Itoma’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY, on Wednesday June 29, 2022, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place Thursday June 30, 2022, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY. Interment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery Located at 280 Secor Rd, Hartsdale, NY 10530. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com