Kevin D. Garrett

Kevin DeWayne Garrett

1.24.73-3.11.23

Our beloved Kevin DeWayne Garrett was born on Jan 24, 1973 to the late Margo Garrett and Reginald Pinkney. He began his life’s journey in Montclair, NJ where he lived and attended Montclair Public Schools- graduating from Montclair High in 1991, then attending Essex County College for a year.

                He continued to live at 18 Wheeler St and rep Montclair’s 4^th Ward, until life’s obstacles brought him to Poughkeepsie, NY in 1996 where he met the love of his life Shamarae Dugger. They then wed on December 2^nd, 2000 with their first child in the womb. They continued to build their family, having three more children. Kevin’s kids were the lights of his life; he cared for them as a hands-on-dad from birth on up. Teaching them about the importance of family, respect, love, school, boys/girls, getting to the bag and even “the streets,” as he wasn’t proud of it but never denied it and wanted them to know about it, in hopes that they would never turn to it!

                Kevin had several jobs throughout his lifetime, but he especially enjoyed working for numerous Moving companies in NJ and NY, McDonalds in Fishkill NY, and Hoodz in LaGrange, NY. He loved the work that he did and the friendships he made.

                Kevin had a big personality that was adored by many which earned him several nicknames; Fat Kev, Chum-Lee, Swinga, Kevy Kev, Swinga Da Don, Mamas, Big D, Pops and Coach G.

                Kevin loved all of his family which included his immediate, extended, in-laws and “adopted kids” (his children’s best friends). He’s known to “rough-up” the younger boys to “toughen them up,” for which most of them hated at the time but when they became adults, they said thank you…

                He loved making others smile and laugh-always cracking jokes, reminiscing on past events, enjoyed music, dancing, fishing, watching Marvel flicks and most of all playing, watching and coaching Football and Basketball. Although he was NJ bred that didn’t stop him from being a die-hard NY Giants and Knicks fan, whether they were having a good or bad game; he was watching, yelling and calling his peeps to talk trash or give respect to the opposing Team. The family remembers the many times he talked about one of his fondest memories playing Montclair High Football, the game known as The 1990 Miracle at Montclair. He’d always talk about it then about a year ago he found-out it was on UTube. He made his family watch and re-watch, paying special attention to the “crazy finish”, as he explained what was happening; getting mad all over again and cussing-out the Refs as if he were in that very moment again; shouting “Montclair should’ve won.” He had also told the story of the famous egg fight on Wheeler Street, buying all the eggs out of the Pathmark and what a big mess him and his “boys” left.

                Kevin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Shamarae Garrett and their 4 children-Monejiah(22), Anisa(16), Kevin Jr(15),and Da’Nea(4). His paternal sisters- DaNisha and Laqoya, Neices- BellaMarie, RosaLee and Xephadrea. His Mother-in-law Elaine Moseley, Father-in-Law JD Dugger, Sister-in-Law Shalaine Dugger; Nephew-Amir, Brother-in-Law Senghor Dugger, Wife Lexi and Nephew-Damonie. His Nephew-Ishmel and Niece-Jaquasia; Son and Daughter of Kevin’s “Love Brother” the late Jamil Washington. In addition, Kevin leaves many more In-Laws and a host of Maternal and Paternal Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Friend Bros/Sistas , and acquaintances.

                One of the last things Kevin was preaching was to “love on each other now, make an effort to fix relationships that you care about because we don’t know how long we’ll be here.”

                The Garrett Family expresses our sincere appreciation for all the calls, text, cards, flowers, gifts of love, acts of kindness and overall support shown to us during this very difficult time. THANK YOU…