In Loving Memory of  John Wesley Crummell Jr.

September 23, 1952 – December 19, 2025**

John Wesley Crummell Jr. was peacefully called home on December 19, 2025, in Oceanside, New York. Affectionately known to many as "Sabu," John was born on September 23, 1952, at Meadowbrook Hospital in East Meadow, New York, to the late Catherine Seymour Crummell and the late John Wesley Crummell Sr.

John was educated in the Roosevelt and Hempstead public school systems, where his natural athleticism and competitive spirit distinguished him early on. He had a deep love for sports and participated in wrestling, football, swimming and track and field. As a gifted sprinter, he earned legendary nicknames "Swift Deer" in Roosevelt and "Bullet" in Hempstead, names that reflected both his speed and the lasting mark he left on those communities.

Beyond athletics John achieved the rank of Black Belt in Martial Arts, studying a combination of styles under Master Erskine Matthews and Master Moses Powell. His astute skill set, discipline, strength and commanding presence earned him widespread respect. In his spiritual journey as a young man, John became a student in the nation of Islam, under the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.

In many circles throughout Nassau County and neighboring New York City boroughs John is remembered as a respected legend, a fearless protector whose presence alone brought reassurance. People felt protected and cared for when John was around knowing he stood firmly for what was right and looked out for others with vigilance, courage and unwavering integrity.

John found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman, a devoted lover of old-school music and a man who truly loved to dance. Family was the center of his world. He was kind, loving and caring with a contagious laugh and a genuine way of connecting with others. John had a rare gift few were strangers to him and everybody was his cousin.

He dedicated many years of service as a groundskeeper at Roosevelt Park before continuing his working life at A. Holly Patterson Nursing Home, where he faithfully served in dietary services for many more years.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents Catherine Crummell and John Wesley Crummell Sr., as well as his siblings Cheryl, Jeffery Ann and Curtis and his brother-in-law Greg.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving children Doreen Muhammad (Randolph), Jahmel Henderson (Pamela), Kahlida Coker (John), Chantel Coston-Lundi, Rahsheem Moss and Matthew Coston (Bianca).

He is also survived by his grandchildren Jaleel, Daishanay,Khalif, Dominic, Nadia Aishah, Safiyyah, Amirah, Khalidah, Dhani Josiah, Alyma, Malayah and Makai and his great-grandchildren Nadia Ayva Kairi and Kimeya.

John is further survived by his siblings Deborah, Denise, Larry, Donna, Cindy, Raymond, Yvette, and Shawnese, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, lifelong friends, associates and neighbors who were blessed to know him.

John Wesley Crummell Jr. lived with strength, loyalty, compassion and pride. He had a deep love for his family and stood firmly as a source of safety for those around him. His legacy is not only measured by what he did but by how people felt in his presence protected cared for and seen. John was grateful for the life he lived and humbled by his blessings and his impact will continue to live on in the communities he touched and in the hearts of the family he loved so deeply.