Hamel Oswald Suite

December 2, 1933 - August 11, 2020

Hamel O. Suite Sunrise December 2, 1933 Sunset August 11, 2020 Quod minimum, minimum est, Sed in minimo fidelem esse, magnum est. What is a little thing, is (just) a little thing. But to be faithful in a little thing is a great thing. (from St. Augustine’s De Doctrina Christiana, IV, 35) On August 11, 2020, a man who faithfully took care of all the “little things,” Hamel Oswald Suite, a loving and faithful husband, and deeply devoted father transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at age 86. Hamel’s peaceful transition took place at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida in the presence of his loving wife, caregivers, and family. Hamel was born on December 2, 1933, in Princes Town, Trinidad. He and his identical twin brother Noel were the pride of their parents, James and Hilda Suite. He was widely regarded as an extraordinary chef, who deeply enjoyed creating exquisitely decorated and sumptuous dishes for his family and friends. On April, 4, 1959, Hamel married his soulmate, Jean Mitchell. They raised 3 sons, Derek, Denzil, and Andre and warmly embraced their daughter-in-law, Darcel. In 1970, Hamel left Trinidad for New York and paved the way for the family to join him. Throughout his life he worked in sales, insurance, management, and even started his own business, Hamos Marketing, and spared no expense to ensure his family’s wellbeing and success. His love for his family was what sustained him. Every year, without fail, his booming voice bellowed out a baritone birthday serenade for each member of his family. Hamel absolutely loved Christmas and knew how to make the season special. His ceremonious, opening prayers at every Christmas meal, the copious gifts he lavished on family and friends, and his ability to bring everyone together in the spirit of fellowship over the holidays spoke of his love for God and his love for others as much as he loved his immediate family. His signature expression of surprise was “Well, dog bite meh,” which would make everyone laugh—even though no one was quite sure what it really meant. This was just one of the many ways in which his tremendous sense of humor manifested itself. Hamel’s powerful influence and legacy have impacted his sons success--with Andre receiving his Juris doctorate degree; Denzil receiving his Ph.D.; and Derek, receiving his medical degree. Hamel’s deep love and impeccable devotion for his wife, Jean was always on display. Together, they shared over 60 years of marriage and raised three children who deeply love them. Hamel’s enduring love for Jean was made palpable by all the “little things” he did to honor her and care for her repeatedly and consistently over 6 decades of marriage. From preparing her breakfasts, to taking her to work, to making her every birthday and wedding anniversary a special occasion, to supplying his unsolicited opinions on fashion and decorative input in the home, Hamel could be counted on to always be there! In sum, Hamel’s lifetime of devotion, all the “little sacrifices”, and his raw and unrelenting love for his family and friends were precious gifts from God. Hamel is survived by his wife, Jean Suite and 3 sons, Derek Suite, Denzil Suite, and Andre Suite; daughter-in-law, Darcel Suite, and his brothers Steve Suite and Keith Suite, his sisters, Jean Baird, Marlene Mark, and Judith Mary Suite. He is preceded in transition by his sister, Irma Greene, and his brothers, Basil Suite, Selwyn Suite, Noel Suite, and Royce Suite.