Elbert Shamsid-Deen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, community member, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. A longtime member of the Masjid Malcolm Shabazz on W. 116th Street in Harlem (formerly Temple No. 7 in the Nation of Islam) he was instrumental in – among many other things – helping to organize Harlem’s yearly African American Day Parade. The obituary below was provided by his family.
Elbert George Dean — affectionately known as “The El” — was born on Aug. 29, 1939 in Charleston, South Carolina to George “Bubba” Dean and Cherry Lou Edgefield. He and his three brothers were raised in a modest home in the Ashley River area by their mother, their grandmother Eloise, and their beloved Aunt Thelma.
At ten years old, Elbert, Israel, and Lorenzo moved to Harlem to live with their father and stepmother, Mable. The family later settled in the Patterson Houses in the Bronx, where Elbert formed lifelong friendships, becoming known for his loyalty, sense of humor, and skill on the basketball court with a neighborhood team called The Clowns. There, he met his first wife, Sandra Adams, and together they had six children. Despite their separation, Sandra remains an integral part of the blended family, a reflection of the respect he carried and the family harmony he cultivated.
Even in his youth, it was clear that Elbert possessed an unshakable work ethic and opinions he was never shy about sharing. He believed in charting one’s own path and in speaking the truth. People sought him out because he didn’t just give advice; he gave perspective. And if you didn’t listen, he’d probably shake his head and remind you, in that signature way of his, that your “brain ain’t no bigger than a mustard seed.”
In the 1960s and ‘70s, he established a wholesale distribution company, becoming the first African-American wholesaler servicing all of Brooklyn and Queens. Over the years, he expanded into multiple ventures, including managing a fleet of Hood Ice Cream trucks, and developed a reputation as a sharp, resourceful, and determined businessman. He shared what he knew freely, wanting to see others win just as fiercely as he wanted success for himself. Countless people who crossed his path would later say, “If it wasn’t for Elbert, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Elbert joined the Nation of Islam in 1967, encouraged by his brothers Lorenzo and Ismail. Protective of his people and committed to self-determination, he felt deeply aligned with the Nation’s values of justice, unity, and collective uplift. He officially took on the name Shamsid-Deen, meaning “Sun of the Faith,” following the path of his brother Ismail, who had been given the name first by Imam W. D. Mohammed. Within the movement, he took on significant responsibilities, including coordinating nationwide food distribution and managing more than 30 businesses owned by Muhammad’s Mosque No. 7. But beyond titles, he cherished the opportunity to serve, teach, and build systems that strengthened Black families and communities.
In 1977, Elbert married his second wife, Darlene, who remained his devoted partner until his passing. Elbert often credited her steady support, sharp mind, and shared determination as the foundation that strengthened every chapter of his life. Together they welcomed one daughter, Alimah, completing their deeply loved and blended family.
Elbert took great pride in the way all of his children carried forward the values he lived by. As the family grew into music, business, and community leadership, their efforts often intertwined, most visibly through the development of Ruff Ryders Entertainment. Elbert played a quiet but steady role behind the scenes, often advising on budgeting and negotiations. What meant the most to El was not the fame that followed, but the way his children worked together and gave opportunities to others.
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Credit: Bill Moore photo
For more than three decades, Elbert continued his entrepreneurial path, founding Thruway Insurance Brokers, and later, Thruway Builders in his adopted city of Yonkers. He became a trusted community pillar, politically active, deeply connected, and known for opening doors for those coming behind him. At 33 S. Broadway in Yonkers, where Ruff Ryders got its official start, Elbert made space for entrepreneurs and dreamers, often showing grace in moments when others might have shown the door. His leadership from the hub helped shape a generation of local influence, inspiring business and political figures on both the city and county level.
Even as he got older, he lit up whenever the children of the family filled the house. Despite his fussing, he preferred the joyful chaos. And while he took care of everyone else, he had a habit of ignoring instructions meant to take care of him. His determination was unmatched, his stubbornness legendary, and somehow, you just couldn’t stay mad at him.
In 2000, El made his first journey to Mecca, a pilgrimage that deepened his devotion and marked one of the most meaningful spiritual experiences of his life. He was blessed to return again in 2024, a trip lovingly arranged by his grandson, Kasseem, allowing El to complete a long-held wish and reconnect with the sacred places that shaped his faith.
Elbert devoted himself to community service throughout his life. He continued to be an active member of the historic Masjid Malcolm Shabazz in Harlem (formerly Temple No. 7 in the Nation of Islam), where he and his wife, Darlene, served on committees and assisted with community events — showing unwavering commitment to the leadership of successive imams, including the current Imam, Izak-El Pasha. He also contributed his time and stewardship to organizations in New York City and Yonkers, including serving five years as director of the Muslim Foundation of America. In 2024, in recognition of the many years he and Darlene dedicated to the African American Day Parade, the organization named its reviewing stand in their honor.
Above all, Elbert was a proud, devoted family man. A true sun (and son) of the faith and a steady guiding light for anyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives not only in the family he cherished, but in the countless people who considered him a father figure, a mentor, a truthteller, and a friend who always had a good word for you — even if he delivered it with a little straight talk.
After 86 purpose-filled years, he’s survived by Darlene, his wife of 48 years; his first wife, Sandra; seven children: Terrence, Mark, Gina, Chivon, Darrin, Joaquin and Alimah, his brother, Ismail, sister-in-law Venice, and a host of sons- and daughters-in-law; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, six nieces, three nephews, and a host of close cousins, all carrying forward his legacy of faith, resilience and self-determination.
He is preceded in death by his son, Trevor Howard, father, George Dean; mother, Cherry Lou (Edgefield) Jenkins; stepmother, Mable (Young) Dean; grandmother, Eloise (Parker) Barnhill; uncle James “Slick” Flickling, aunts, Annabell Williams, Viola (Edgefield) Causion and Thelma (Edgefield) Giles; brothers, Lorenzo Dean, Robert “Bobby” Dean, Vernon Jenkins and cousins Patricia Ann, Clarence and Richard Green.
Elbert’s family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming expressions of love, kindness, and support shown during our time of bereavement. Your prayers, visits, calls, and thoughtful gestures have brought comfort and strength to our hearts. May Allah, the Most Merciful, bless each of you for your compassion, and may He grant Elbert eternal peace and rest.
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Family
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