Shelton Powell, who worked at the Morton Williams Associated supermarket on Bleecker St. at LaGuardia Pl. and at the Grand Union Market that previously stood at the location, died on Tues. March 14 in Newark, N.J., at the age of 43.
A familiar figure who was always willing to help, he won the respect and affection of Villagers who did their regular household shopping at the supermarket located at 130 Bleecker St.
A Newark resident, he died after a short illness of stomach cancer, according to a friend, Tony Vernon.
“It was a big shock,” said Avi Kaner, a principal in the Morton Williams market, “We knew he was sick but we didn’t know to what extent. The community outpouring at his death has been amazing,” Kaner added.
Shelton Powell became a Morton Williams employee in February 2001 when the market took over the site from Grand Union, where he had begun work 14 years ago, said Raye Snover, manager of the store. “He worked here as an assistant manger and would open or close our other nearby stores,” Snover said.
“He was always cheerful and ready to give you a helping hand whenever you needed one,” said Jean Szczypien, a longtime Village resident.
Powell was born in Jersey City and went to live with an aunt, Pauline Van Croft, after his parents, Wayne and Thomas Powell, died when he was 14. He went to elementary school in Jersey City and then to St. Peter’s Prep, a high school in Jersey City.
A viewing will be held at Watson Mortuary, 26 Gifford Ave., in Jersey City, from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Thurs. March 23 followed by the funeral from 10 p.m.-11 p.m.
