Mr. Joseph Small

Joseph A. Small, 77 passed away peacefully on Friday, November 18, 2016 at his home in Brooklyn, NY. Joseph born in Charlotte Amalie, USVI on July 18, 1939 to the late Inez Sullivan and Joseph A. Small Sr. He grew up with his brother and sisters the late Beulah Hodge, Leon Peterson, and Louise Chenney-Simmons. He lived most of his life in the USVI attending Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and then graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School before migrating to New York. Joseph was a humorous and insightful man who enjoyed reading and sharing words of wisdom with all that he encountered. While recounting stories of his childhood, Joseph often told his children and grandchildren about his many adventures of school. With the most outrageous one of him having to travel 2 miles in the snow, barefoot carrying a bucket of water to school. Once at school, he would walk in one door learning the alphabet and then he graduated once he mastered arithmetic. Although this was a funny story to us, it spoke to how much he valued education and wanted his children and grandchildren to have the opportunity of getting an education. No matter what obstacle was in your way, always put your education first. Joseph considered himself a “jack of all trades”. From working at a newspaper factory to working at Elmhurst and Parkway hospital respectfully, he was able to bring a legacy of what hard work and determination could get you. Through the course of his life, Joseph made many friends along the way. It was through his captivating charm, warm personality and always the willingness to lend a hand, earned him the respect of those he encountered. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, jazz music and spending time with his grandchildren. In the early 1970’s Joseph met and married the late Cleo Small. She was a woman who valued family and education, which mimicked the same values that Joseph shared with his family. Stepping in and becoming a father figure to the late Mark Weekes, Joseph and Cleo were blessed to give birth to their two daughters, Koren and Nicole Small. Although their union did not last, they were able to remain friends until Cleo passed away on May 11, 1995. After his divorce, Joseph was once again able to find love with Rosita Sealy and married soon after. Together for over 20 years, Joseph once again stepped in and become a father figure to both Kevin and Glen Marshall, and their union was blessed with their daughter, Rosalie Small. Joseph was extremely proud of his children, raising them with a loving but stern hand. His words of wisdom, encouragement and support will truly last even though he is gone. Joseph may not be here physically, but he leaves behind a legacy of family, togetherness and most importantly the value of education. Joseph leaves behind his wife, Rosita Sealy. His favorite Aunt Dolly. His daughters: Koren, Nicole and Rosalie Small. His sons: the late Mark Weekes, Kevin and Glen Marshall. His grandchildren Aleisha and Christopher Small, Gabrielle and Liam McDowell and many more whom he loved and cherished greatly. He also leaves behind his best friend A. Cheston, friends and extended family.

Mr. Joseph Small

July 18, 1939 - November 18, 2016