Dudley Alexander Sewell

To know him was to love him. Born Dudley Alexander Sewell on April 8, 1932 in Morant Bay, St. Thomas to Dillion and Julie Sewell he had six brothers and three sisters. Dudley, affectionately called ‘Dad’ by family, had the memory of an elephant, as they say, and loved to shared memories of his many lives lived through his 91 years he was blessed to be with us. Dad’s stories would be so detailed no matter how far back they went. He could tell you down to what he was wearing that day. Dudley grew up in Jamaica and never finished formal schooling but Dad being the determined person he was taught himself to read. As he matured into his early adult years he worked at Seprod as a forklift driver. He was also known for bicycle riding and competing in competitive bike racing. In these early years Dudley became a father to three sons Randolph, Dudley – his namesake, and Donovan.

 

In the 1960’s he moved to England. During his time in England he learned Carpentry which would serve him the rest of his life. He was also a barber and DJ and could always be found playing music and dancing. He had many good friends and loved to make people happy. In the early 70’s he moved to New York where he would meet his wife Cynthia Sewell. The story goes that Cynthia, who we affectionately called ‘Mom,’  drove up to a Chevron gas station, where Dad worked, in a red Chevy Nova, and as he describes it she looked foxy that day. She parked in the non-full-service side of the station, however, got out the car and just stood there. He went over to help her and was more than happy to find out that she was Jamaican as well. Dad’s version of the story is after their first meeting she started to show up randomly and frequently at the gas station. They started talking and Mom took Dad to church on their first date. Five years later they were married on September 22nd, 1979, and on February 18th, 1981 they welcomed their only child – Mark Sewell. During their years in NY they bought a house in Westbury and lived there until moving to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988. 

 

After retirement, he moved with his family to Orlando, FL and resided there until his passing. 

 

Dad loved wrestling. He did not miss WWE Monday Night Raw. That was his thing – that and the Lottery. He was always telling us what he would do when he won. He was also a fan of game shows, comedies, and Steve Harvey. He loved gardening and his mangoes. Mango season always came with trips to the mango orchard in Port Charlotte where he and Mom would be like two kids in a candy store. 

 

He will be remembered for his love of people, fun and laughter. The memories of fun times will remain with us always. ‘Dad’ went home to rest on May 7th. He is survived by sons Randolph, Junior, and Mark Sewell; daughter-in-laws Natalie and Daphne Sewell; brothers - Ronald, and Audley;  granddaughters – Rachel, Christina, Michelle, Nicole, Gina, Neisha, Sara; and grandson – Jaden; cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Dad lived a full long life and though we will miss him we know he is smiling that big smile of his and reunited with Mom like two kids in a candy store.  Rest well ‘Dad.’