Obituary of Neil A. Service

Neil Andre “Pockets” Service, 55, passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2023. Born on June 23, 1968, in Kingston Jamaica to Norma Scarlett and Charles Service. Neil came to the states as a young boy and was raised in Queens. Although he resided in Long Island, he also lived and spent time in Brooklyn and Connecticut. Neil attended John Browne High School where he obtained his high school diploma in 1986. One of his passions was cooking, so he decided to attend Project Renewal for Culinary Arts, to get his license. He then gained employment as a prep cook at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett for a short while, and then at International House of New York for many years after. The “Chocolate Emeril” loved to cook anything, and he would put his love in all that he made and then shared it with those he loved. In addition to his cooking talent, Neil loved to D.J. Although not done professionally, he loved to D.J. for both friends and family at many gatherings. He also loved to drive and chauffeur clients. He was a personal driver and assistant to many high-profile clients such as Gayle King, Bow Wow, and Angela Bassett just to name a few. MR SERVICE AT YOUR SERVICE. Neil was a very kind, jovial and charismatic person that was always willing to help his family, friends or anyone that needed it. People naturally gravitated to him with his altruistic spirit. He was a young man at heart and friends and family were the things that represented Neil the most. Neil leaves to cherish in his memory, his mother Norma Scarlett of New Jersey; father Charles Service of Jamaica WI ; his daughter, Janai Willis of Hartford, CT; son, Jonell Smith of Long Island, NY; a bonus child Jasmine Bines of Bronx NY; two granddaughters, Sumiyah Hood of Hartford CT and Ariella Smith of Long Island; sisters, Annmarie Rattigan (Ainsworth) of Queens, Sharon and Michelle Service both of Queens, Brittany Service of Kingston; brothers, Charles and Claude Service of Kingston, and Damian Service of Florida; a special Aunt Laurel Johnson of Long Island NY; Aunt Neasee Johnson of Jamaica WI; Cousins Ricardo Baxter of Long Island NY; and Latoya Nadine Williams of Jamaica WI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who love and will miss him dearly. Although we all are saddened by your demise, we are at peace knowing that you are united with predeceased loved one's: brother, Junior Service; grandmother Bernice Slowly; Grandfather Asher and best friend Stephen Augustine