Jerrell T. Hargraves

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Jerrell Tyshawn Hargraves, who departed this life unexpectedly on February 3, 2026. Born on August 5, 1989, at New Britain General Hospital, Jerrell was the beloved son of Jamel

D. Hargraves, Sr. and Renee (McKenzie) Hargraves.

A proud graduate of New Britain High School, Jerrell continued his education at CT State Community College Capital and the University of Hartford. He dedicated his life to serving his family, his community, and the city he loved. Jerrell served New Britain as an Alderman and as Human Rights and Opportunities Officer since 2018, leaving a legacy of equity, dignity, and fairness. On the City Council, Hargraves served on several subcommittees, including the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee and the Consolidated Subcommittee. Jerrell led the city's fair housing efforts and managed the Fair Rent Commission (FRC). He also served as a liaison to several city boards and organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, CND, the Housing Authority, the Library and New Britain Institute, the Eastside Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Commission on Persons with Disabilities.

Known for his warmth and generosity, Jerrell was a familiar voice at Veterans Stadium, a board member of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain and the New Britain Public Library. Jerrell coached basketball for nearly 20 years and was a tireless advocate for youth and public service. A member of the New Britain Branch NAACP, Jerrell's commitment to justice was known by how he lived and served. His impact reached far beyond titles; he was a role model, a city leader, and a cherished friend to many. His family, friends, colleagues, the City of New Britain, its schools, its leaders and all those whose lives he touched, mourn the loss of Jerrell Hargraves, whose legacy of service and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, King David McKenzie, Sr., paternal grandfather, Tyrone James Hargraves, and grandmother, Charlene Lorraine (Williams) Hargraves. Jerrell is survived by his loving parents, Jamel

D. Hargraves, Sr. and Renee (McKenzie) Hargraves; his devoted siblings, Latasha Monique (Hargraves) Russell and Jamel D. Hargraves, Jr. (Jessica Hargraves); his cherished grandmother, Mona McKenzie; his nieces and nephews:

Tanija Russell, Everton Russell, Jaila Hargraves, Maya Barfield, Nazir Russell, Amirah Hargraves and Malia Hargraves, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins who will forever cherish his memory.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, CT. Viewing will be from 9:00am to 11:00am, with the Celebration of Life immediately following. Interment and committal will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St. New Britain.

To share a memory of Jerrell or to express condolences to the Hargraves' family please visit www.shakerfuneralhome.com