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Yusuf Abdus-Salaam Obituary
Yusuf Abdus-Salaam, 65, of Cromwell, CT, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. Yusuf was born on September 22, 1954, in Hartford, CT, the oldest of seven children.
Yusuf is survived by his mother Shirley, wife Shanda, daughters Ascher'D & Kedeja, sons Ahmad, Malik, and Desmond. He came from a big family and he is also survived by brothers Calvin, Sean, Quan, sister Yolande, two loving grandchildren Azzure and Zariah, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Yusuf was an honorable and respected man, a loving and protective father, a loyal partner, a husband, grandfather, mentor, and friend to many.
Yusuf loved to learn, especially teaching black children how to read. He was a respected entrepreneur, a business owner, and a publicist for over 45 years. He spent his free time nurturing his young sons, playing chess, and outside gardening with his partner.
He is finally resting after working so hard in his life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Yusuf Abdus-Salaam
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Kedeja Abdus-Salaam
July 10, 2025
I miss you so dearly and you´re forever in my heart
Paul Okuja
July 10, 2022
Mr. Yusuf was a true friend and boss to me. He understood me and was very supportive and encouraging to me. I miss his friendship and laughter. I pray the Lord truly reward him for his love and all the lives he touched and helped. May God bless his family today and always.
Nekeshia Hammond
July 23, 2020
Yusuf was my publicist for the past 5 years. Even though on paper, he was my "publicist", he was so much more than that. He was an amazing mentor, coach, and motivator. I will most miss our phone conversations where he would share tons of stories about inspirational people. He pushed me all the time to be better. Even though my heart is broken right now, I am extremely grateful for all of the knowledge that Yusuf took the time to teach me.
To Yusuf's family: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Yusuf spoke so fondly of you. I am really really sorry for your loss.
Ian Woods
July 19, 2020
Brother Yusuf got the news that you left us physically but not in spirit. You've always spoke that anything worth having takes work and never give up cause dreams do come true! Every since I've known you Yusuf always had your own thing going a self made entrepreneur.Thanks for all the laughs down thru the years gonna miss you good brotha but i'll see u on the other side
Until then
Rock the Heavens
Your brotha Ian
Margaret McClam Hicks
July 18, 2020
I was so sad to hear of Yusef's passing. It is my prayer that the Lord comfort his family and all those who loved and mourn for him.
Joaner W.
July 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Gombieski
July 17, 2020
To Shanda and Family , I'm schocked too hear that Yusef has passed so suddenly I'll miss his infectious laugh and warmth that filled a room instantaneously. A man who understood and welcomed life and did so much for so many .A man who nurtured the young .There's no words I have that can take the pain in yours hearts away .All I can say is I'm proud Yusuf shared some of himself with me over the years .I'll miss him also. May the Lord take him into His grace now. God speed.
Ronnie Edens
July 17, 2020
I already miss you my brother.. A King, A Warrior, A Soldier, A Teacher. True Father. Thanks for planning the seed of knowledge for the next generation.
robert gombieski
July 17, 2020
To Shanda and family , I'm shocked to see Yusuf has passed so soon ; a man who had so much to offer the world. A man who had spontaneous warmth and infectious laughter , a man who welcomed and understood life . I'm proud to say he shared some of himself with me .I'm going to miss him .May he be welcomed into God's grace.
Mark S. Loman
July 17, 2020
Hurt my heart to learn of the passing of Yusuf. Yusuf was a person filled with inspiration. One of Yusuf's stories is how he got his taxi cab license. As I recall, the morning session did not go well. His application before the taxi cab committee was going down. At the lunch break, Yusuf inspired his lawyer, that afternoon section went well, and Yusuf got his tax cab license. Yusuf was driven to be self sustaining. At one point, Yusuf operated a three hour delivery service business that drove papers between Hartford to NYC {this is faster than UPS}. However, Yusuf also looked for ways to serve and help others in the community. Rest in Peace. To the family, you are in my prays.
John L Robinson
July 16, 2020
Family of Yusef,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my good friend Yusef. He was such a wonderful full of life and spirit person who had such a wealth of knowledge. He was so far ahead of the times and supported all Church and Community events for the African American community. Youth was his special calling in life and he did anything to help all youth better themselves to prepare for their future.
May the good Lord be with the family at such a time as this.
Rest in Peace Brother Yusef.....
LINDA RING
July 16, 2020
So sorry to hear of Yusuf's passing. His entrepreneurial endeavors helped our organizations many times. Hartford Heights Tall Club and Altrusa International of Central CT were big fans. He was always happy to help us out. I'm sure that he will be remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched. He is remembered fondly. May he Rest in Peace.
Linda and Ralph Ring
Rachel
July 16, 2020
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Yusuf. You all have been a blessing to me and my family. Remember earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.
Leah
July 16, 2020
My deepest condolences and sympathy goes out to the entire family. Yusuf was a great person, I remember sending my son to his mentoring program, New Years Eve overnight gatherings with the family. He made sure my son felt like he was one of his own. Yusuf will be greatly missed!!
Erica Hunter
July 16, 2020
To Ascher'D, it's been years since we've seen each other. My sincerest condolences to you and the family about your Dad. We have memories from over 35yrs. May he rest in power.
Lalani Perry
July 16, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences for the loss of such a great man. Yusuf was a true friend, confidant, business partner, and brother to my husband and me. His Laughter would lift the mood of any room. His energy and zest for life was infectious. When you were around him, you simply wanted to do more and be a better person. Without a doubt, We loved him and he will truly be missed.
Bishop Jean Byrd-Taylor
July 16, 2020
Over 18 years ago, at 3 A.M., written on a hotel note pad, as given to me, Yusuf designed and printed on a poster the Vision of the Mt Calvary Church Ministries and Outreach, Church; which is until this day, displayed and recited weekly during the Order of Service. Yusuf will be long remembered as a part of the legacy of the Mt Calvary Church Ministries and Outreach Church. Rest in peace Yusuf!
Mt Calvary Church Ministries and Outreach, Inc. Bishop Jean Byrd-Taylor
evelyn butts elam
July 16, 2020
Yusuf was my brother and friend, confidant and adviser. To say I will miss him would be a gross understatement. My heart, love and prayers go to Shanda for opening her home to me and playing hostess to our frequent, sometimes serious most time fun debates. And my love, heart and prayers go to her and the kids just because.
James and Alvenis Riddick
July 16, 2020
The Riddick family share your loss. Yusuf was a very special man to many people. He was a mentor to our son, Jason, as well as his employer during Jasons teen years. Yusufs influence helped to make our son the fine young man he is today. Everyone whose path crossed Yusufs was indeed blessed by his giving spirit and his wisdom. We pray for Gods grace and mercy to give you comfort during this time of loss.
Paul A. Hylton
July 15, 2020
Deepest condolences to the Salaam Family. Yusuf was an outstanding community leader , a great father and husband, and a authentic friend. His legacy will live on in our hearts. He invested his life in helping people. He always knew what to say to encourage people and motivate them to pursue their goals. I will always remember him.
Dr. Paul A. Hylton
Jessica Perry
July 15, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the Salaam Family! Sending prayers of comfort during this time!
Lorenzo Marshall
July 15, 2020
Peace and Blessings to the family!!
Thanks for leaving your mark, and making a path Brother Yusuf!!!
Paul Okuja
July 15, 2020
A very dear and good friend; kind, understanding; generous; social and funny. I shall miss the laughter and jokes. I feel blessed to have met and known Yusuf, for he treated me as a brother. May God bless and reward him for a life well lived. Rest In Peace my friend.
James and Alvenis Riddick
July 15, 2020
We share your grief and will cherish Yusufs memory. He was a mentor to our son during his teen years, as well as Jasons employer. We know that Jason is the man he is today because of Yusufs influence. May Gods grace and mercy be with you during this difficult time. Yusufs time here was truly Gods gift to all of us who knew him.
Jim Sokaitis
July 15, 2020
Yusuf became a friend of mine in the year 2000 at Quicke Print. He had such a wonderful way about him, always offering his huge smile and a hand shake. He was kind enough to give my wife a job and she worked for him for several years.
After Quicke, I would see Yusuf at the YMCA in Middletown, usually playing basketball with his kids. We'd always take a few minutes to talk and catch up about how my wife was and how his family was doing.
Yusuf was just a wonderful, wonderful man who had his priorities straight. Family, friends, and community. I will miss him greatly and my deepest sympathies go out to his wife, children, and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Pam Perry ,Charlotte NC
July 15, 2020
To Shanda & The Salaam Family,
My heart is truly broken after receiving the news of Mr. Sef's passing. I saw him on my last visit home to CT in March. Mr. Sef was an amazing man w/ a great soul. The impact that he had on so many people's life personally & professionally is immeasurable.
His presences will be truly missed by all who knew him. I Thank God for allowing me to be able to call him my friend. My deepest condolences to you & the family . Praying for Peace ,Strength & Comfort during your time of bereavement. Mr. Sef has gone from laborer to reward . Rest Well Mr. Sef❤
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