Kareem Wade April

Kareem Wade April obituary, East Orange, NJ

Kareem Wade April

Kareem April Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Island Memorial Funeral Home on Jun. 16, 2025.

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Today, we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate the life of Kareem April-a son, a brother, a father, a friend, and, above all, a beacon of love and laughter. Though his time with us was far too short, the legacy he leaves behind is vast and enduring.
Kareem was born in Georgetown, Guyana, on October 12, 1989, the second born and only son of Dennitta Sue, firstborn of Wade April, and beloved bonus son of Vibert "Tony" Adams. From the moment he arrived, Kareem brought a spark into our lives-a spark that grew brighter with each passing year. He attended Aurora Secondary School before crossing oceans to New York, where he continued his education at Wingate High School and later at Kingsborough Community College. His journey was one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of his dreams.
He worked tirelessly in the aviation field at JFK Airport with Delta Airlines and other companies-a job that took him high into the skies but never out of reach of those he loved. He had a passion for travel-St. Maarten being one of his favorite destinations. When illness came knocking, Kareem met it with the same strength and humor that defined him-standing tall, smiling wide, and facing each day with unshakable courage.
Kareem was a protector-first of his sisters, always looking out for them, making sure they were safe. And then he became a "girl dad," a title he wore with immense pride. Loving Payton and Melody was, as he often said, "the greatest joy of all." His face would light up when he spoke of them, his heart full of pride and affection. In 2013, he welcomed his only son, Kayden, who inherited his playful spirit and unmistakable sense of humor. If laughter is the best medicine, Kareem was the best doctor we knew.
He loved music and was a truly gifted dancer. He moved with joy, rhythm, and a natural flair that brought any room to life. But dancing was only one of the many ways Kareem expressed his vibrant soul. He loved soccer, swimming, and riding his bike-activities that reflected his love for freedom, movement, and fun. And above all, Kareem had a gift for laughter-especially when it came to playing pranks. Whether it was a clever joke or a harmless setup, he delighted in catching people off guard with a laugh. That mischievous grin of his always said, "Got you."
Throughout his life, Kareem shared joy with everyone around him. Where there was music, he was dancing. Where there was silence, he brought laughter. Where there was sadness, he offered comfort and humor. The jokes will still be told, but they won't land quite the same. And the dancing will go on, though the rhythm feels a little off without him.
We hold in our hearts all those he leaves behind: his beloved children-Payton, Melody, and Kayden; his loving parents, Dennitta, Wade, and bonus dad Tony; his grandparents whose wisdom shaped him; his siblings, who knew both his fierce protectiveness and his unwavering love-Shoemayne, Saskia, Shannia, Renlyn, Shaquan, Christal, Jaedan, and Akeemo; his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who shared in his journey and now share in our grief.
As we carry his memory forward, we take comfort in knowing that in the quiet afternoon of Sunday, June 8th, Kareem took his final breath surrounded by family and enveloped in love. With hands held, hearts united, and a prayer softly spoken over him, he slipped peacefully into rest. He left this world the way he lived in it-deeply loved and never alone.
Rest well, Kareem. You will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts.
If You Would Like To Send A Flower Arrangement To The Service Being Held On Friday, June 20, 2025, Please Be Aware That The Deadline For Ordering Through Our Online Portal Is Wednesday, June 18, 2025, AT 2:00 PM; ANY ORDERS PLACED AFTER 06/18/2025, 2:00PM WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
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