Mr. Sikandar Z. Hameen was born on September 9, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York to the parents of Melvin and Rosetta Otey. He also had a younger sister named Lorena Otey. Mr. Hameen moved to Cleveland, Ohio with his mother Rosetta and sister at a very young age. He began traveling and singing with his family in a gospel group named “The Gospel Intenators”. His Mother – Mrs. Rosetta was a phenomenal pianist as she was called the Lady of the Ivory. Mr. Hameen enjoyed singing and performing with his family throughout the years and up until the present day always told stories about his travels in the group.

Mr. Hameen received his formal education in Cleveland Metropolitan School District and graduated from East Tech High School in 1964 and later graduated from Dyke College.

Mr. Hameen enlisted in the marines October 29, 1965. He completed his basic training at Camp Lagune, NC by 1966.  He was then stationed and fought in the Vietnam War. The Marine Corps recognized Mr. Sikandar Z. Hameen for his honorable service with the following medals: National Defense Service; Vietnamese Service; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Service; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Mast Service and two Good Conduct Medals.  He was honorable discharged in October, 1969. He was a very proud Marine Corps veteran and we are very honored that he served this country with excellency to contribute to our current liberties and freedoms. Mr. Hameen began working in the workforce as a Machinist at Ford Motor Company for over 40 + years until his retirement.

Mr. Sikandar Z. Hameen passed away on March 7, 2025 at the age of 79, surrounded by family and loved ones in Cleveland, Ohio at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. His generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Mr. Hameen was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He truly loved spending time with his wife (Thee- as he called her) and making beautiful memories together. One of his many favorite pastimes was his daily conversations and coffee with his friends at Mcdonald’s on Euclid Avenue. He enjoyed reaching out via phone to talk to family and friends often spending hours talking about life, current events, business, family and much more. One of his favorite sayings was “I’m still in first place”. He would definitely keep you on your toes. He also loved watching his favorite football and basketball team’s the Cleveland Browns and Calivers. He always had a mind to learn and study history and gain a deeper understanding of the word of God. His departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives, yet we find comfort in the memories and everlasting love that we shared with him.

Mr. Sikandar Z. Hameen married the love of his life Thelma Hameen on April 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. They would have celebrated eight blessed and wonderful years together this year. Mrs. Hameen is grateful for the cherished memories that she has shared with her late husband (Alec – his nickname) through the years. She leaves these words: “Your love is still my guide and though I cannot see you, I still feel you by my side.  I will remember you with love and gratitude for all the happiness you brought into my life. You are and always will be the love of my life.

Mr. Hameen was proceeded in death by his parents: Melvin and Rosetta Otey; sister: Lorena Otey.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Thelma, and their four children: Sikandaruna “Dretta” Hameen (Keith), Abysinnian “Kaleb” Hameen, Felicia “Lisa” Rodgers (Chris), Kenneth “Kenny” Blackman (Donna); Grandchildren: Malika, Aaliyah, Rahkeif, Chrislyn, Abigail, Noah and Keyniah; Great-grandchildren: Promise, Da’layah,; Neice: Quintessence Otey; Great-niece: Olivia and great-great nephew: Asher and a host of family and close friends.