December 1, 1973
September 27, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Visiting: 8:30 A.M.
Holy Eucharist: 10:00 A.M.
THE ISCOPAL UR OF THE HOLY SPI T 525 River Street, Ma apan, MA. 02126
Officiating : Rev. Zene a M. Armstrong, Rector
Rev. Harry Jean-Jacques, Associate Rector
Mr. Paul White, Organist
Internment: Oaklawn Cemetery 427 Cummins Hwy, Boston, MA 02131
Repast: Church Ha
The Burial of the Dead Rite Two
The Gathering of the Faithful
Obituary
Stacey Massiah was born on December 1,1973 in, Barbados to Alfred and Norma (Keizer) Massiah. On September 27,2024 he peacefully lost his yearlong battle with cancer and went on to meet his Master with his loving wife Joleah and his parents by his side.
Stacey migrated to the United States of America where he resided in Boston, Massachusetts and later in New Hampshire. Stacey attended Charlestown High School and graduated in 1992 then he matriculated to Keene State College in New Hampshire. Although he made Keene his home for three decades, he never forgot his Bajan and Boston roots. He visited Boston often to enjoy his mom’s cooking especially his favorite dish oxtails.
Stacey attended The Church of The Holy Spirit in Mattapan, MA. during his younger years. As a member of the Youth Group, he was taught about the love of God which helped to strengthen his faith during his sickness. Stacey and Joleah did not have a home church in NH, they visited various churches as well as watching the zoom services from his home church.
Stacey was the loving father of Tinisha, Lydia and Javon who he adored. Javon is following in his father’s footsteps and playing basketball.
His greatest pleasure and enjoyment was playing basketball which he started from his early years. His love for the game was evident to everyone who knew him. During his High School years Stacey represented Charlestown High in Basketball. Stacey played semi-pro ball overseas in Ireland, Japan, Mexico and his home country of Barbados. He also played and coached the sport during his adult life in NH and Boston. Because of his love for the sport, he spent a lot of time on the phone with his cousin, Shawn, his best friend Kareem and his dad analyzing and discussing various plays in the game. His love for music was another one of his passions which allowed him the opportunity to becoming a DJ. He was popularly known as DJ 6’7” or six. You could often find him at local establishments playing his favorites. He loved bringing people together.
Stacey was employed as a paraprofessional at Keene Middle and High Schools. He was the Varsity Coach of the Keene Basketball Girls Team. His passion for coaching will remain in the hearts of all hio
previous students even those who now have children of their own. Stacey was most recently employed as a Car detail Specialist at Mean Bead in Swanzey, NH, where he worked alongside one of his dearest friends Drew Wilson.
Stacey was a fun, loving person and was very entertaining with his jokes and laughter. He will be dearly missed by all who interacted with him throughout his lifetime, many of whom would have a story to tell. Although he stood taller than most, his gentle nature was loved by all. His passing has left a void that can never be filled. Stacey was known as a Gentle Giant.
Stacey fought hard with grace and dignity from the time he received his diagnosis. Although it was frightening at times he never gave up on God. Stacey always knew that he was not alone and believed that God would take care of him. Stacey’s mum always reminded him to put God first in his life.
Stacey is preceded in death by his sister Sheena. He is survived by his loving wife: Joleah devoted parents: Alfred and Norma, children: Tinisha Torres (Arizona), Lydia and Javon Massiah (Keene, NH), aunts: Mollie Keizer (USA), Audley Simon (Canada), and Ann Applewaithe (Bermuda), uncles: Carlise and Charles Applewaithe (USA), Tyrone Applewaithe (Barbados) and Patrick Simon (Canada). Cousins: David and Elvis Keizer and Terrie Blackman, all of USA, Sueann Maloney (Barbados), father-in-law David Butler (Keene, NH), Mother-in-Law: Donna MacKenzie (Stratham, NH). brother-in-Law Seth Butler (Stratham, NH) and bonus nephew: Brody Butler (Stratham, NH) host of family and friends in Barbados, Canada, Keene, NH & the USA. May he rest in peace.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has chosen for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to live, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I’ve now found peace at the end of day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, or a kiss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seems all too brief
Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee, God wanted me now – He set me free.
The Family
You may have whispered a silent prayer; you may have sent a card, gift basket or called to give encouragement. Whatever your deed, the family extends sincere thanks and appreciation for your many kind expressions of sympathy during this period of bereavement.