Liaquat Mohammed was born in Trinidad in 1949. He was one of 10 siblings with many nephews, neices, grand nephews and grand neices whom affectionately referred to him as Uncle Dads. He died April 5, 2020 due to Covid. He was married to his wife for 48 years. They were looking forward to spending their 50th anniversary January 2022 but they were robbed of that milestone. Together they had 3 children and 6 grandchildren whom he adored. Liaquat introduced his children to road trips in America. Getting lost in his backyard but miraculously navigating like a pro outside of NY. They reciprocated as adults taking him to places he wanted to visit but put himself aside for their happiness. They are continuing the tradition with their families. His son has been to 44/50 states and hopes to finish in his lifetime.

Liaquat migrated to NY in 1980 starting a new life with his family. Never forgetting his roots as many vacations consisted of returning back “home” to visit family, friends and showing off the wonderful sights of Trinidad and Tobago to his children and family members. Some of whom exclaimed they lived there their entires lives and never knew what was in their backyard. 

One of the things he never forgot to do was hold religious functions, bringing immediate and extended families together. He never failed to introduce his children hoping they would commit a name and face to memory. Looking back, it was the best thing ever. He wanted us to know that you never knew who you would meet the next time you visited. 

Since his passing to present, he lost a brother, sister and 2 nieces. He was the glue that held the family near and far together because he believed in everyone coming together not only in grief. 

In NY he worked as a doorman on the Upper East Side for 30+ years where the residents remembered him as a guardian to their children. Keeping a watchful eye on them as they left and came home from school. Always remembering birthdays and anniversaries of residents and their families when they themselves forgot. They revered him as someone who was diplomatic, making himself known to everyone in and around the block — even the traffic cop saving some residents and colleagues from tickets, while occasionally waving to George Stephanopoulos on his way to the studio in the morning. 

His passing has deeply affected his Upper East Side family along with co-workers. He was a family man. Everyone whom have expressed their grief described him as a humble, gentle, fun loving person. He is dearly missed by all who knew him. 

On a personal note, Covid robbed us of visiting him in the hospital, being an integral part of his treatment, holding his hand for the last time and kissing him goodbye. There was nothing traditional in his funeral, burial and mourning. No visits from friends and family; just a call, letter or text extending condolences. He went straight from the morgue trucks stationed outside of the hospital with other deceased to the funeral home in a doubled body bag. There was no traditional Islamic last rites such as “bathing” of the dead or wrapping in cloth … only a body bag. No funeral or viewing. On his funeral day, he was taken in a Sprinter van along with 2 other gentlemen, one of whom was his friends’ father and the other a stranger. With Covid norm went out the window.

At the burial grounds you weren’t allowed the chance to view the remains in the casket so who did you bury? It was the worst moment in our lives. Despite wanting to blame the treatment of ventilators by hospitals and lack of consultations with families I hope that society takes a look back at our dark days and never repeats the same mistakes.

We lost a hero! My mom lost a partner! The grandchildren lost their Nana. Dad still had a long time left in him and was not supposed to go this way. My mom cries everyday. Her life is not the same. No one besides FOCV and YHM understands what we are dealing with. The stories echo each other.

Love you Dad —