Roy L. Spellen

Mr. Roy L. Spellen, 65, entered the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, when he passed away in the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Monday, June 5th. from 9:00-11:00AM.  A prayer service and a sharing of memories will start at 10:15AM.  Immediately after the visitation, the prayers of committal will precede Mr. Spellen’s burial in the family plot in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden.

Roy, the son of Yvonne Bailey Spellen and Raymond Spellen, was born in Georgetown, Guyana.  He came to the United States in 1982 and lived in Brooklyn, New York for a time, before moving to New Jersey where he resided in various cities until returning to New York, specifically Jamaica, Queens, fifteen years ago.

While living in Guyana, Roy was in the military as part of the Military Police, called the Guyana Defense Force.  After leaving the military, Roy remained in Guyana and he began his career in the  local Police Force, working his way up the ladder to become a high-ranking officer.  When Roy immigrated to the United States, he embarked on a twenty plus year career as a truck driver for a sanitation company until 2006, when Roy started to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.

Roy’s life was always filled with numerous hobbies and interests, most of which involved his family.  He loved to fish, mostly fresh water from the shoreline and do long distance drives, making sure one or more of his brothers got to enjoy the experiences as well.  Roy loved the art and the sport of horseracing, in all formats, whether it was flat racing, steeplechase, harness racing or endurance racing.  He was known to wage his fair share of bets and hopefully his horse came in, win, place or show.  You could constantly find Roy in the kitchen as he was so creative baking dessert delicacies of all kinds, including his famous breads that he was known for pairing with hot tea.  He was also an excellent cook who was fond of sharing his feasts with family and friends but also enjoyed dining on a good meal himself.  The greatest joy in Roy’s life came from hanging out with his family, friends and neighbors.  He was an old soul in many ways, who loved oldies music and appreciated great conversation, even if it was just sitting in the back yard at a BBQ.

Roy was predeceased by his son, Anthony Spellen and his three siblings, Bernard Spellen, Compton Spellen and Raymond Spellen.

Roy is survived by his seven children, Francis Spellen, Ricky Spellen, Darcelle Dublin, Matthew Spellen and his wife, Ashley, Joseph Spellen, Xavier Spellen and Ryan Spellen; his six siblings, Euburn Spellen, Aubrey Spellen, Theresa Davis, Godfey Spellen, Eon Spellen and Annmarie Miller and Roy’s seven grandchildren.

Roy was the center of life for his family, and he had an abundance of love for everyone in his circle.  He will be deeply missed, but Roy will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.