Obituaries 316
Benjamin ‘Benny Blancco’ Saeed Davis, 24, a helping hand and ravenous rapper
A car ride with Benjamin Saeed Davis, aka Benny Blancco, meant listening to instrumentals and beats that he would inevitably freestyle to—with rhymes that never missed. Benjamin cared for those around him with a passion that rivaled his love of music. In his presence, you were sure to find people laughing, smiling and most definitely […]
Braiheen Jamison, 22, home health aide who wanted to marry fiancee ‘and have 10 kids’
It was the spring of 2011, and Braiheen Jamison was preparing to start his new life. A recent graduate of Glenn Mills High School, Braiheen had a job interview lined up and was expecting a baby boy with his fiancee, Kenya. “They wanted to get married and have 10 kids,” says his mother, Wendy Jamison. […]
Anthony L. Merriett, 55, had a thing for his family, chess—and aliens
Anthony L. Merriett took his work seriously, building a career for himself in construction with a legacy that lives on in storefronts and homes across the city. But he never took himself too seriously—or the aliens he said would be coming any day now. “He had this thing for aliens,” said his wife, Philon Carter, […]
Ahmad Abrams, 18, rec center counselor who was deciding among his many college acceptance letters
Ahmad Abrams was going places. Fresh off graduating high school with honors, he started a job at UPS, but that was only temporary. He was in the process of deciding whether to join the Navy reserves or go straight to one of the many colleges that had accepted him—maybe Pitt, or Pace University in New […]
Jasmine Lewis, 20, college basketball star dreaming of the WNBA
Jasmine Aaliyah Lewis started playing basketball in fourth grade, and it quickly became apparent that she had talent. She fell in love with the game at Sturgis Playground in East Oak Lane, then perfected her skills on the court at Mastery Charter North High School. By the time she reached Lackawanna College in Scranton, Jasmine […]
Isaiah J. Pagan, 19, had an 89 mph fastball and big dreams in real estate
When Isaiah J. Pagan was on the mound, this tenacious baseball player never backed down from a challenge. Thanks to a level of dedication lacking in most teenagers and guidance from his father as a coach, he became such a talented pitcher and centerfielder that he was being recruited by several university teams. “He always […]
Rykeith Sullivan, 35, former home health aide and aspiring dentist
Rykeith Sullivan, whose nickname was “Rock,” bore quite a few similarities to another who goes by “The Rock.” Maybe not completely in his physique, but Rykeith had a lot of the same qualities as the famous wrestler—a charming people person who captivated many with his smile and sense of humor. He was born on January […]
Stephen Hoston, 30: ‘He taught me a lot, and now he’s gone’
From the time Stephen Hoston III was a kid, he just wanted to bring family together. During family fun days, he would lead the charge picking games for the family—and be the most competitive player. One game, Rock Band, involved different families competing against each other, and it made the whole family better. “At first […]
Craig “215 Stacks” Thomas Jr, 21, an accomplished musician and ‘just the perfect kind of person’
More than anything, Craig Thomas, also known as 215 Stacks, was wrapped in joy, bringing his infectious smile and positivity everywhere he went. It was a love for life and making people laugh that began early, when he couldn’t help but pull pranks on his family. “I remember when we were younger and I went […]
Masako Suyko Griffin, 38, beauty queen and choir singer who loved her two children
It was no surprise in 2011 when Masako Suyko Griffin announced to her family she was going to get involved in beauty pageants. After all, to be in the presence of this Queen was an unforgettable experience. She always owned the room, said her sister Alista Stevenson. “People were captivated by her confidence, smile, walk […]
Paris Gary, 31, barbershop owner and lover of motorcycles
You could say Paris Gary was a gentle giant—something his mother knew to be true from the very beginning. “Paris was born premature at eight months weighing a whopping 10 pounds,” said his mother, Denise Wells. And her son, who she called Peedi, had a whole lotta energy. As Paris continued to grow, his kindergarten […]
Shahid Davis, 19, planned to further his education
Life was moving in a positive direction for Shahid Quayyum Ahzire Davis. After getting into trouble as a juvenile, he applied himself and was awarded a two-year scholarship to La Salle University. After graduating from Philadelphia North Academy in 2010, though, he told his mother that he wanted to defer his college enrollment for a […]
Trevonte Marks, a ‘man of the house’ at 15, who aspired to be a designer, rapper
Trevonte Marks never wore a bad outfit. Whether it was his school uniform or if he was dressing up for a special occasion, Trevonte, or better known as Tre, always made sure he looked good. Inspired by his dad and uncle’s style, Trevonte loved streetwear and sneaker culture, as noted by his impressive collection of […]
Michael L. Miller, 23, excellent student who was about to start working at Einstein hospital
Michael L. Miller Jr. was an amazing person who grew from a big goofy kid who played around all of the time into a stellar student. And finally into a young man with big dreams, a close-knit family and a new job on the horizon. “He had a smile that warmed your soul,” said his […]
Rashee Chiverton, 43, a protector to his family who also lost a son to gun violence
Rashee “Shay” Ashley Chiverton couldn’t help but watch over those close to him, whether it be his own family or even any of the neighbors on his tight-knit block. Once, when a neighbor locked herself out, he climbed through her window to help her get back in. “Most neighbors are elderly, and he made sure […]
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