Minister Hylton Says Late Father Was a Committed Jamaican

Scores of mourners packed the Arlington United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 7, to celebrate the life of Bezaleel Hylton, father of the Hon. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

The elder Hylton died at the Sinai Hospital in Baltimore on December 2, after a long illness.  He was 90 years old.

In paying tribute, Minister Hylton eulogized his father as loving, caring and was committed to seeing his children obtain a good education.

Minister Hylton informed that his father migrated to the United Sates in 1970. While living in Baltimore, he worked in the construction industry and after retiring, he opened his own business, West Indies Grocery Store.

He said his father was a committed Jamaican and used every opportunity he had to promote the good name of the country in the United States.  He was an avid football fan and loved to play dominoes, and was well liked by everyone that he came in contact with.  Minister Hylton noted how very sad it was to lose his father after the passing of his mother just four months ago.

Mr. Hylton senior is survived by his wife, Hazel Bell Hylton, 13 children, 36 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

Tribute was also paid by the President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent.  Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, was represented at the funeral service by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica, Marsha Coore Lobban; and Minister Counsellor for Trade and Economy Matters, Ariel Bowen.

The service was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Eugene Williams.  Interment followed at the Druid Ridge Cemetery.