Jermaine Lemuel Samuel

Jermaine Lemuel Samuel, beloved husband, devoted father, coach, veteran, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 15 January 2026 in San Diego, California. Jermaine’s presence filled a room - kind, real, and unforgettable.  His passing leaves a profound and immeasurable absence in the lives of all who loved him.

Jermaine was the loving husband of Heather and the proud father of Christiana and Gabriella. He loved these ladies fiercely, and above all else, he was the best girl dad. He was present in every moment, steady in every season, and endlessly proud of his girls. He poured into them with love, guidance, and encouragement, and they always knew they were supported and deeply cherished.

Jermaine was the youngest of seven children, born and raised in Oxnard, California. He was affectionately referred to as the “miracle baby” due to the 14-year age gap between him and the second-youngest sibling.

Jermaine was a true scholar-athlete who began playing sports in grade school. He excelled in basketball at Channel Islands High School and later distinguished himself as a member of the All-Navy team.

Jermaine loved basketball and the community it creates. He wasn’t just a fan, he was a coach and a mentor who showed up with heart. Whether in the stands or on the sidelines, Jermaine believed in kids, built confidence, and helped others grow - not only as athletes, but as people and future leaders. His impact reached far beyond the court, and so many families will carry his encouragement with them.

Professionally, Jermaine served with excellence and integrity. A proud veteran, he served his country first in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician, and most recently through federal civilian service as a Software Engineer with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) in San Diego, supporting mission-focused work with care and dedication. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a senior technical instructor and held roles in project supervision and field service engineering.

Jermaine was also deeply committed to learning and leadership. He earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with Honors) from American InterContinental University, and he held his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Jermaine will be remembered for his loyalty, his strength, his steady love for his family, and the way he made people feel seen and supported. In honoring his life, we will carry Jermaine with us in all we do and hold tight to the goodness he brought into this world.

Jermaine is survived by his wife, Heather, and his daughters, Christiana and Gabriella; his brothers, Leonard Samuel (Shea) of San Diego, California; Quittman Samuel Jr. (Eloisa) of Oxnard, California; and Christopher Samuel (Leona) of Phippsburg, Maine; his sister, Mathelyn Samuel of Las Vegas, Nevada; his nephews, Bruce, Julius, Sean, Anthony, Ian, Tori, Timothy, and Keanan; his nieces, Quintina, Jaleesa, and Brittney; his father- and mother-in-law, Daniel and Lynda MacDavitt Sr., of Rochester, New York; his brothers-in-law, Michael Jones of Rochester, New York, and Daniel MacDavitt Jr. (Christina) of Binghamton, New York; his sisters-in-law, Melyssa Mantell-Huson (Michael) of Farmington, New York, and Nicole DeCramer (Jake) of Rochester, New York; and many other family members and friends who will miss Jermaine dearly.

Jermaine was predeceased by his father Quittman Samuel Sr., his mother Willie Mae Samuel (Smith), and his sisters Alvita Martinez and Anita Richardson. 

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and asks for continued prayers. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jermaine’s honor may be directed toward his daughters’ future education. Please contact the family for details.

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