Desmond "Barbi" Noel Assam

Desmond “Barbi” Noel Assam, 72, passed away in the comfort of his own home in Casselberry, FL surrounded by family on July 12, 2022 after a year long battle with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Assam; their children Bruce Assam, Jinelle (Eric) Gillette, and (Jessica Assam); his 5 grandchildren Alex, Brandon, Karis, Austin, and Madison; along with his siblings Linda (Patrick) Khelawan, Patricia (Jackie) Young, Bernadette (Henry) Doogarsingh, and Jerry (Crystal) Assam. Barbi was born on December 25, 1949 in Barataria, Trinidad & Tobago to the late Joseph and Olive Assam. At the ripe age of 18, he met his soul mate Jennifer. However, it wasn’t long after they met that, his parents moved the family to St. Thomas and then Barbi was drafted and assigned to the US Army during the Vietnam war. In the end love conquers all as upon his return from service he was reunited with his love; they were married and desired to start a family in 1972. He began working for the WAPA power plant on the island as an engineer. He enjoyed it so much he spent 15 years of his life working for WAPA before Barbi and Jenny decided to move to Casselberry, FL following other family members who had made the move before them in hopes of more. Quickly after their arrival in 1984, they decided to become entrepreneurs and bought a business in Apopka, FL named “People’s Food Market”. They were happy to not only fulfill their own dreams, but they were in a position to be able to support other family members over the course of the 20 years they owned the business. Barbi and Jenny retired a little over 20 years ago and were able to do some travelling before Barbi was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor in April of 2021. During Barbi’s entire life he was driven by his faith. He felt a place of belonging in the Catholic Church and wanted his family to experience the same. Therefore, church was mandatory for the family every Sunday, in fact it was the only day he would close his business to ensure it would happen. Then each Sunday after church he would take the family out to eat as he loved a good meal. His favorite places were anywhere that included a buffet. Many fond memories were had at Morrison Café, Ryan Steak House, Pondarosa, and Big Boy’s just to name a few. If there is anything Barbi wanted you to remember about him, it would be that he was always focused on anything he put his mind to! Work was always his top priority as it was the lifeline to ensure his family was taken care of. Second was taking the time to enjoy the fruits of his labor; being surrounded by family and friends as he always believed food and FAMILY equaled love. Finally, he couldn’t resist a good competitive game which lead to his other nickname “Sharky” which is indicated on the tattoo of his left arm which he got while in the Army. Overall, he was a quiet man with simple pleasures who had a large presence in all the lives he encountered. A service to celebrate his life will be held on July 29, 2022 at 11:00 am Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church officiated by Father Bob Markunas. Following the service there will be a Flag Presentation by the US Military; and a gathering for family and friends immediately following at the Saint Peter and Paul’s parish hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation: https://fundraise.glioblastomafoundation.org/SharkysFrontLine

Desmond "Barbi" Noel Assam

December 25, 1949 - July 12, 2022