Obituary for Oscar Leo McIntosh Jr.
Oscar Leo McIntosh, Jr.
Celebrating the Life of Oscar Leo McIntosh Jr.
Oscar Leo McIntosh Jr., a.k.a. "Sugar Foot", was born on September 5, 1940 to the union of Oscar Leo McIntosh Sr. and Julia Welters McIntosh in Key West, Florida. For his parents, he was a special blessing yielded from ardent prayer; his healthy presence coming one year following the stillborn birth of his brother. In concert with his parents he was doted upon by family and friends, all grateful for his robust entrance into the world. His godmother, Minnie Gandolfo, in particular, became his vigilant and attentive babysitter, acting as a surrogate parent while his father was away serving this country in World War II. His sister, Juliette, was born in December of 1946, bringing Oscar the challenge of having to deal with a little sister. And in 1952 their infant cousin, Adrian Welters, came to live with them, rounding out the family unit within which they would grow together to adulthood.
During his formative years Oscar attended the kindergarten of Ellen Welters Sanchez where he began to show an interest in drums. His talent for drumming was welcomed by his grandfather, Anthony Welters Sr., a seasoned musician and co-founder of the well-known Welters Cornet Band. His grandfather saw to it that he received drums and direction in drumming before he went to first grade. For grade school Oscar attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School where he was groomed to make his First Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, which is now a Basilica. He matured rapidly in physical stature during those years and in photos often presented as the tallest boy in his class. As a result, his sturdy build and booming laugh brought him the role of Santa Claus in many Christmas plays at St. Francis Xavier School. During his years at Douglass High school he was given the nickname "Sugar Foot", a description exalting his agile footwork on the basketball court. He was known as well for his capacity as a lead drummer in the Douglass High School marching band. His athletic prowess and talent as a percussionist continued to prosper beyond adolescence. Similar to his father, as an adult he became an adept softball player, often leaving fans mesmerized by his homerun potential. Another nickname "Sap" was given to him as a play on the word "Zap", which depicted the sound of a ball being hit out of the park. Additionally, throughout his adult years he played drums in the Welters Cornet Band and Mc Kenzie's Jazz Quartet alongside his uncle, Frank Welters, an accomplished trumpeter.
Oscar was blessed to have parented six children; three born to the union with Veronica Taylor, his first wife, and three from the union with Janet McIntosh, his current wife of 35 years. The blending of the two families yielded the following configuration of his children by birth order: Oscar Leo McIntosh III, Michael McIntosh, AnJanette O'Neal, Charmada Meeks, Jabari McIntosh and Ashanti Me Joy McIntosh. His posture as a loving father was reflected in the gallant connections among his children as they encircled him throughout his challenging illness.
Oscar was a trailblazer! As the first African American Firefighter in Key West, FL, he opened doors for many, showing a warrior spirit that did not bow to racism or overlook the untapped talents of others. He was a humanitarian, often sharing the fruits of his labor with others. His stellar work ethic was balanced by his unfailing infectious sense of humor. He worked hard and laughed a lot! And after 27 years of service, he retired as an accomplished and courageous firefighter. In keeping with his adventurous nature, upon retirement, Oscar moved to Tampa, FL and ultimately embarked upon a number of extended jaunts to various parts of the Caribbean with his wife, Janet. Beyond traveling he immersed himself in gardening. He was a consummate gardener, reflecting the proverbial "green thumb" of his mother, Mama Julia.
Aging did not deter Oscar from vigorously embracing life. He continued to laugh as he danced to his favorite Soca music, championing the bold rhythms of his ancestral Caribbean roots (his father's people hailed from the Bahamas). Recently, Oscar shared that he was grateful he and Janet had lived their dream of dancing together at Carnival in Trinidad a number of years ago. In recapping those memories he was a happy man! Certainly, to enjoy his humor and watch him dance made it easy to believe him when he would say, "I am blessed by the Best!"
Oscar made his transition on August 4, 2014 in the midst of ardent prayers offered by family and friends around the country.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents; a very special uncle, Frank Welters and a cousin, Adrian Welters, whom he loved like a brother. Oscar leaves memories to be cherished by his first wife Veronica Taylor, his loving and devoted wife, Janet McIntosh, six children, Oscar McIntosh III (Salome) and Michael McIntosh (Mandy) of Key West, FL., Charmada Meeks (Antoine) of Stone Mountain, GA., Jabari McIntosh (Dwaina) of Springdale, AR., Ashanti McIntosh (Avery) of Tampa, FL. and AnJanette O'Neal of Jacksonville, FL.; a beloved sister, Dr. Juliette Martin-Thomas, two nieces Tehira Martin and Mikaela Gray (James), one nephew Crispus Martin II of Milwaukee, WI.; twenty-three grandchildren Dominique Coleman and Jessica L., of Mobile, AL., Oscar Edwards, Ashley McIntosh, ShaMichael McIntosh, Veronica McIntosh, Corneil McIntosh, Michael McIntosh, Jr., Makayla McIntosh, Aiden Matthews, Erik Vinson, of Key West, FL., RaQuele Meeks and Chardonae' Meeks of Stone Mountain, GA., Alliyah Brown, Imani McIntosh, and Destiny McIntosh, of Springdale, AR., Aishani McIntosh and Armani McIntosh of Tampa, FL., Jazmyn O'Neal, Jordan Jones, Jayela O'Neal, Jacari O'Neal and Jamari O'Neal of Jacksonville, FL; thirteen great-grandchildren, Mirakle, Keyo'monie, Eunique, Michael, Tauren, A'tori, Ahmad, Keeny, Dajon, Jakari, Dante, Zhien, KaRiah and a host of grieving relatives and friends.
Funeral Information
Memorial services will be held 1:00 P.M. Sunday, August 10, 2014, at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services.
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Celebrating the Life of Oscar Leo McIntosh Jr.
Oscar Leo McIntosh Jr., a.k.a. "Sugar Foot", was born on September 5, 1940 to the union of Oscar Leo McIntosh Sr. and Julia Welters McIntosh in Key West, Florida. For his parents, he was a special blessing yielded from ardent prayer; his healthy presence coming one year following the stillborn birth of his brother. In concert with his parents he was doted upon by family and friends, all grateful for his robust entrance into the world. His godmother, Minnie Gandolfo, in particular, became his vigilant and attentive babysitter, acting as a surrogate parent while his father was away serving this country in World War II. His sister, Juliette, was born in December of 1946, bringing Oscar the challenge of having to deal with a little sister. And in 1952 their infant cousin, Adrian Welters, came to live with them, rounding out the family unit within which they would grow together to adulthood.
During his formative years Oscar attended the kindergarten of Ellen Welters Sanchez where he began to show an interest in drums. His talent for drumming was welcomed by his grandfather, Anthony Welters Sr., a seasoned musician and co-founder of the well-known Welters Cornet Band. His grandfather saw to it that he received drums and direction in drumming before he went to first grade. For grade school Oscar attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School where he was groomed to make his First Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, which is now a Basilica. He matured rapidly in physical stature during those years and in photos often presented as the tallest boy in his class. As a result, his sturdy build and booming laugh brought him the role of Santa Claus in many Christmas plays at St. Francis Xavier School. During his years at Douglass High school he was given the nickname "Sugar Foot", a description exalting his agile footwork on the basketball court. He was known as well for his capacity as a lead drummer in the Douglass High School marching band. His athletic prowess and talent as a percussionist continued to prosper beyond adolescence. Similar to his father, as an adult he became an adept softball player, often leaving fans mesmerized by his homerun potential. Another nickname "Sap" was given to him as a play on the word "Zap", which depicted the sound of a ball being hit out of the park. Additionally, throughout his adult years he played drums in the Welters Cornet Band and Mc Kenzie's Jazz Quartet alongside his uncle, Frank Welters, an accomplished trumpeter.
Oscar was blessed to have parented six children; three born to the union with Veronica Taylor, his first wife, and three from the union with Janet McIntosh, his current wife of 35 years. The blending of the two families yielded the following configuration of his children by birth order: Oscar Leo McIntosh III, Michael McIntosh, AnJanette O'Neal, Charmada Meeks, Jabari McIntosh and Ashanti Me Joy McIntosh. His posture as a loving father was reflected in the gallant connections among his children as they encircled him throughout his challenging illness.
Oscar was a trailblazer! As the first African American Firefighter in Key West, FL, he opened doors for many, showing a warrior spirit that did not bow to racism or overlook the untapped talents of others. He was a humanitarian, often sharing the fruits of his labor with others. His stellar work ethic was balanced by his unfailing infectious sense of humor. He worked hard and laughed a lot! And after 27 years of service, he retired as an accomplished and courageous firefighter. In keeping with his adventurous nature, upon retirement, Oscar moved to Tampa, FL and ultimately embarked upon a number of extended jaunts to various parts of the Caribbean with his wife, Janet. Beyond traveling he immersed himself in gardening. He was a consummate gardener, reflecting the proverbial "green thumb" of his mother, Mama Julia.
Aging did not deter Oscar from vigorously embracing life. He continued to laugh as he danced to his favorite Soca music, championing the bold rhythms of his ancestral Caribbean roots (his father's people hailed from the Bahamas). Recently, Oscar shared that he was grateful he and Janet had lived their dream of dancing together at Carnival in Trinidad a number of years ago. In recapping those memories he was a happy man! Certainly, to enjoy his humor and watch him dance made it easy to believe him when he would say, "I am blessed by the Best!"
Oscar made his transition on August 4, 2014 in the midst of ardent prayers offered by family and friends around the country.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents; a very special uncle, Frank Welters and a cousin, Adrian Welters, whom he loved like a brother. Oscar leaves memories to be cherished by his first wife Veronica Taylor, his loving and devoted wife, Janet McIntosh, six children, Oscar McIntosh III (Salome) and Michael McIntosh (Mandy) of Key West, FL., Charmada Meeks (Antoine) of Stone Mountain, GA., Jabari McIntosh (Dwaina) of Springdale, AR., Ashanti McIntosh (Avery) of Tampa, FL. and AnJanette O'Neal of Jacksonville, FL.; a beloved sister, Dr. Juliette Martin-Thomas, two nieces Tehira Martin and Mikaela Gray (James), one nephew Crispus Martin II of Milwaukee, WI.; twenty-three grandchildren Dominique Coleman and Jessica L., of Mobile, AL., Oscar Edwards, Ashley McIntosh, ShaMichael McIntosh, Veronica McIntosh, Corneil McIntosh, Michael McIntosh, Jr., Makayla McIntosh, Aiden Matthews, Erik Vinson, of Key West, FL., RaQuele Meeks and Chardonae' Meeks of Stone Mountain, GA., Alliyah Brown, Imani McIntosh, and Destiny McIntosh, of Springdale, AR., Aishani McIntosh and Armani McIntosh of Tampa, FL., Jazmyn O'Neal, Jordan Jones, Jayela O'Neal, Jacari O'Neal and Jamari O'Neal of Jacksonville, FL; thirteen great-grandchildren, Mirakle, Keyo'monie, Eunique, Michael, Tauren, A'tori, Ahmad, Keeny, Dajon, Jakari, Dante, Zhien, KaRiah and a host of grieving relatives and friends.
Funeral Information
Memorial services will be held 1:00 P.M. Sunday, August 10, 2014, at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services.
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