While you slept overnight, the family, friends, and thousands in the Newark community remembered the life of a longtime Newark resident, father, godfather, uncle, and prince to scores of children around the city who looked up to "Kaboobie" for decades.
Mr. James Edward "Kaboobie" Sedwick, 84, made his transition on Monday morning at around 7:33 am after a brief illness according to a statement made on Facebook live by a family friend and Goddaughter.
Honored two years ago by Mayor Ras Baraka as a tireless leader in the community that many -including himself- has grown to know and respect.
A sporting event around the city or county wasn't the usual if Kaboobie wasn't there and did not have the best seat in the house, cheering on and encouraging NJ's best athletes from around the region.
Kaboobies's relentless love for Newark's children pushed him daily to participate in humanitarian efforts to assist countless residents by purchasing clothing, offering scholarships, feeding the hungry, and being a mentor for those in need.
A skilled and savvy entrepreneur, Kaboobie was once known for decades in Newark as the "Lollipop Man" as he sold the sweet treats during sporting events around the city in which he expanded to sell other goods.
Kaboobie returned thousands of dollars made during this endeavor back to the community as aid to scores of the needy and those that just couldn't make ends meet.
"He never met a kid that he didn't help. No one could gauge how many tuitions he paid, how many pairs of sneakers he bought, snow cones and lollipops he gave away to kids or home many rents he paid for people in need. Kaboobie loved Newark, and he adored the people of Newark".
The residents saluted Kaboobie as a true "community man" and a real Southside -Shabazz High School Bulldog- fan last night. Although Newark residents knew how much he loved Shabazz High School, Kaboobie supported and attended events in every Newark High School residents said.
"He never missed our games and always made his way to the first row where we could hear him. He always gave credit when credit was due" Kaboobies's Goddaughter said.
A resident in Newark's South Ward said "growing up in the 70's and 80's, if you attended and high school events, rain or shine, "The Lollipop Man" was in the building. Kaboobie was always a positive force for the kids and a Newark icon.
Funeral arrangements for Kaboobie are pending.
Our staff sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kaboobie as we thank him for assisting our RLS Media Sports broadcasting team while they were out televising NJ High School sports for many years.
**IMAGES CREDIT:** Li'za Donnell