Hylton F Ashley

Hylton F. Ashley of Torrington, CT., formerly of Stratford, CT. passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2024, with his beloved wife by his side. Hylton was born on December 4, 1949, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine to Kenneth Ashley and Iris Harrison. He came to the United States to attend college at the University of Wisconsin, where he received a degree in industrial technology education. He was a high school shop teacher in his homeland. Later, he decided to switch careers and work in manufacturing. He retired from Newton-New Haven Company
in North Haven, CT. He then worked at the Ramada Inn in Stratford for a short time doing maintenance part time.
Hylton met his wife of 26 years in Stratford upon renting an apartment for Doreen and her three teenage daughters. Once, when they discovered their attraction to each other and fell in love, he fully embraced her three daughters as his own. He would include the girls on their dates. As the girls grew and became adults, he would call them often for various reasons. He truly loved them and was proud of the young women they became. Once the grandchildren started coming, he would delight in each child. Both Hylton and Doreen raised their granddaughter Danielle for the first 7 years of her life. When Sara came back home, Hylton had the joy of helping to raise Nathaniel and Brooklynn, and his baby, Jayla, whom henpecked up every Friday from when she was 2-months old. Hylton would often be found lying on the living room floor playing Barbies with Jayla. They had tea parties and colored together. They enjoyed naps on the front porch chair together. In all, Hylton had nine grandchildren to cherish his memory and whom he was a father too. He was very proud of each one of them and all of their achievements. Hylton had a big heart and was so kind. He considered everyone a friend, and many called him friend. When three of the grandchildren needed to have a home, he did not hesitate to take them in. He decided to buy a bigger home for the children in Torrington, CT., giving them each their own room. At age 69 Hylton became the father to Danielle, Tommy and Shane. He taught Tommy how to change a tire and change the car oil. He attended all their school functions and award nights. He was so proud of Danielle when she graduated from high school this past June. Hylton was happy that Nate was in college for IT and could help him with his computer. Hylton would often say everyday was a holiday, and that was how he lived life. He was also very spiritual. He could often be heard praying and saying softly “Thank you Father” for all the blessings God
has granted him in his life.
Education was very important to Hylton. Every day he strove to learn something new. He loved to watch YouTube to listen to psalms, listen to music, learn nutrition and finances. Hylton loved to use his laptop to learn by watching videos on various subjects. Hylton was a kind and gentle soul. He enjoyed visits from his sisters-in-law and their husbands whom he considered his brothers. He had two special nieces, Avianna who would spend weekends and he would love to spoil her. They always had a cup of tea together. He also loved and felt close to his niece Crystal
and her husband Chris Benson. He enjoyed their company. Once he and Chris started talking there was no pulling them apart. Hylton was a selfless soul. Always ready to help. He took care of his wife through all of her illness and surgeries. When Doreen had breast surgery, he would wake up if she was in pain, give her a pain pill and change her ice pack. Once, power was lost due to a hurricane, he was awake all night with his ear on Doreen’s back to make sure she didn’t stop breathing without her CPAP. That was the man he was, caring, loving and compassionate. Hylton leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Doreen Hunt, to cherish his memory and his love for her until they meet again. He leaves behind; Danielle Hunt (18), Thomas Hunt (16), Shane Plude (11) all of Torrington, CT. He leaves his three step-daughters and their partners: Sara Hunt (James), Jessica Hunt (Buddy) all of Stratford and Kelly Plude of Torrington, CT. Hylton also leaves behind his beloved brother and his wife: Doran and Shernete Blake of Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Hylton’s sisters-in-law and their husbands: Joseph and Kim Gravel of Milford, CT., Adrian
and Tracy Daigle of Stratford, CT., a brother-in-law: John Henderson Jr. of Stratford and his mother-in-law Judith Henderson also of Stratford. Hylton leaves behind his loving grandchildren: Nathaniel Torres of Plainville, CT (19), Genavieve Rivera (17), Isabella Nunez (13), Brooklynn Hunt (11), Edward Nunez (7), and the light of his life, Jayla Hunt (5), all of Stratford, CT. His nieces and nephews will miss him greatly: Crystal (Chris) Benson, Victoria Daigle, Michael Daigle, Mathew Daigle, Joseph Gravel and Avianna Rosado. Hylton also has his grandnieces: Hailey Benson, Jayden Daigle, Sophia Daigle and Jackson Smith. Hylton also leaves behind his family in St. Catherine and Canada. Three Aunties, three Uncles, four nephews, one niece and a host of cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Iris Harrison, his father- in-law; John Henderson, Sr. and his beloved Gram Farren who once said at age 90: “If you don’t marry

Hylton, then I will”! Please keep our family in your prayers. God Bless.

The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday Nov. 21st from 9:30 to 11:30 at Phalen Funeral Home.

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