Vernon Alston Jr.

Vernon Alston, Jr. was born in Vicenza, Italy on August 26, 1971 to very proud parents, Vernon Sr. and Bobbie J. Alston. He was the eldest of three children. If his native Godparents, Giuseppe and Adalina had their way, he would have been named Enrico Danielli. Vernon attended Welch Elementary School, Dover AFB, upon moving to Dover, DE from Germany in 1981. His school principal, who was fond of Vernon as a pupil, said that one day when he was old and sitting in his rocking chair, he wanted to pick up the newspaper and see that “Vernon Alston” had done something great. He believed Vernon was a great example for his peers. Vernon also attended William Henry Middle School, Central Middle School, and Dover High School. Throughout those years, Vernon developed a great desire to play soccer, football, track, and wrestling. As a way to hone and perfect his talents and athletic abilities, he started lifting weights at age 13. Vernon’s physical abilities were so diverse that he even received a scholarship to the Marian Tracy Dance School. He displayed his greatest athletic ability in track & field and wrestling. Two of the most memorable times during his high school athletic career occurred when he ran track in the Penn Relays, and met WWF wrestler, Rocky Johnson, who encouraged him to pursue wrestling. Vernon managed a full time schedule as a college prep student athlete while working part time at Hang’s Chinese Restaurant in Dover, DE. Working in the restaurant was a special treat for Vernon because he loved to eat! Vernon was adored by the owners, Hang and Miranda, for his dedication, charisma, and hard work. Vernon’s commitment and hard work paid off when he received a wrestling scholarship to Howard University, in Washington, DC. He was a cadet in the AFJROTC program at Dover High School and continued membership in the ROTC program while attending Howard University. Vernon majored in Administrative Justice. While later pursuing studies at the University of the District of Columbia, Vernon decided to enlist in the Army National Guard Reserves. His active duty tours included traveling to Panama and Germany. Soon after completing his military training, Vernon sought a career as a Federal Police Officer, and joined the academy with the US Capitol Police. Vernon loved his job and took pride in protecting and serving the people of Capitol Hill. Vernon developed and nurtured relationships that crossed the boundaries of race, status, or even beliefs. Vernon was authentic in his interaction and sincere in his “hello” or “how is it going?” He enjoyed interacting with his fellow police officers, Congressional members of the House and Senate, diplomats, staffers, and the numerous visitors on “The Hill”. Vernon’s service time with US Capitol Police included 20 years and traveling approximately 180 miles commuting to and from Washington, DC daily. Vernon enjoyed working out in the gym and lifting weights and was always ready for a push up contest: He is affectionately remembered by his friends for being strong as an ox and making 100 pushups, in a minute, look easy. Vernon was a renaissance man and his wife would emphatically describe him as “the finest man on earth.” He was one who enjoyed cooking from an early age, writing poetry, jujitsu, judo, shopping for furniture, sultry music, collecting Invicta watches, hunting for the latest colognes, and seeking the latest comfort gadgets. During a chance meeting at 1st and Independence avenues SE, Vernon met his wife, Nicole. Vernon remembered Nicole as a student at Howard University but had not had an opportunity to get to know her. Vernon quickly realized that, on that corner, opportunity had presented itself and he took it. After a short engagement, the two married and together share five beautiful children. To Vernon, family was everything. Vernon loved his father with a reverence. He loved his mother with a fierceness. He loved his sister with a tenderness, and was unwavering about his love for his brother. Vernon was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and friend. He enjoyed entertaining his children and initiating “family meetings” with his wife and kids. Vernon leaves a legacy of love, humility, humor, and a giving nature, to those who knew him, closely and casually, always leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. Vernon was an undiscovered comedian/ lyricist with a contagious laugh, a knack for arousing laughter, and an insatiable need to have dance battles with his kids. Vernon will be remembered for being very humble, loving life, and showing a desire to help others. Vernon loved the Lord and was always ready with an answer to share God’s love and promises with whomever he encountered. Vernon would frequently say “the world is your oyster” and he used this idea as a tool to push his family members to surpass goals and realize dreams. Vernon leaves to cherish his memory: His wife, Nicole. His daughters, Brittany and Yasmeen. His sons, Brandon, Israel, and Breyden. His parents, Vernon and Bobbie Jean Alston. His sister, Nicole Alston-Jackson and his brother, Damien Alston. His In-laws, Norwood and Mattie Davis and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends. Vernon will be missed greatly by all who knew him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vernon Alston Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Vernon Alston Jr.

August 26, 1971 - January 23, 2016