973-762-2200 (The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home) | 973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)
jacobhollefh@aol.com
prestonfh@aol.com
Tribute Wall
Friday
16
April
Public Visitation
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, April 16, 2021
The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home
2122 Millburn Ave
Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Saturday
17
April
Visitation is Private and by Invitation Only
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Saturday, April 17, 2021
The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home
2122 Millburn Ave
Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Saturday
17
April
Service is Private by Invitation Only
11:00 am
Saturday, April 17, 2021
The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home
2122 Millburn Avenue
Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Saturday
17
April
Final Resting Place
1:00 pm
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Rosedale Cemetery
408 Orange Road
Montclair, New Jersey, United States
Due to current restrictions regarding the pandemic funeral home attendance is limited. Therefore, only family and friends that have been invited may attend.
Loading...
D
Daniel Acosta Elkan posted a condolence
Thursday, June 13, 2024
I'm deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Kwame is no longer with us. I was his student at Seton Hall around 2006-2007, and he was perhaps the most impactful instructor I had there. Being a college faculty member now myself, I marvel at how well he managed to challenge us while still showing kindness, warmth, and support. He truly was a master teacher.
I also vividly recall a time when I was really struggling with some academic challenges I was facing without any understanding or support from other faculty, and my mind went to a dark place. I bumped into Dr. Akonor at that moment, and he made a profound difference just by seeing and appreciating the work that I was doing, and me as a person. I'm sure his family does not need any further proof that Dr. Akonor made a significant difference to his communities, but without a doubt he made a difference to me. Rest in peace and power, Professor.
G
Glenda Perreira posted a condolence
Saturday, March 30, 2024
My heart is broken, just found out my friend Dr. Kwame Aknor passed in 2021.
Rest in Peace My friend
K
Kathryn Hood-Moore posted a condolence
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Sincere condolences to the family and those who cherished Kwame. I met him when he was a PhD student. What a brilliant beautiful soul. God bless
D
Drs. Jacob & Barbara Gordon posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
We are saddened and heartbroken to learn of the passing of our young colleague and accomplished scholar, Dr. Kwame Akonor.
We came to know him only briefly and by virtual communication when he accepted our invitation to give the keynote presentation at the 75th Annual United Nations Day commemoration by our chapter in Gainesville, Florida.
Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
J
Jacob U’Mofe Gordon posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
On behalf of the Gainesville, Florida Chapter of the United Nations Association of USA, I send our condolences for the passing of Dr. Kwame Akonor.
Dr. Akonor was our Keynote Speaker in 2020 at the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. His speech “Reimagining the United Nations” was extremely timely and well received. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. ~Dr. Jacob U’Mofe Gordon, President, UNA-USA Gainesville Chapter.
j
j lit a candle
Sunday, April 18, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle5.png
K
Kim Poulsen lit a candle
Sunday, April 18, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
The world has lost an incredible gentle and generous soul. May Kwame rest in peace and your memory live on.
K
Kuukua K lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle5.png
I cannot get over the shock of the news of your untimely passing. I keep hoping that it's not true, but here we are. Kwame... Kakra, it's a great comfort to me to know that you meant many things to so many people. I feel so broken that I'll never hear from you again. You have left a void that will be impossible to fill. As much as I grieve for your departure, I rest a little bit easier knowing that you are no longer in pain. We believe that God knows best, and only He knows why things happened the way they did. Abrantie Kakra, Due! Due ni amani hunu. Nyame nhyira wo. You have left us way too soon. Rest In Eternal Peace.
J
Joseph McLaren posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
I knew Kwame from the New York African Studies Assn. He was a brilliant scholar and teacher. I will always remember his warm and friendly personality. May he rest in peace. Sincerest condolences to his family.
Joseph McLaren
S
Sheleea Leonard posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
We enter this world to do the works God has laid out for us and Kwame, with his quiet but strong demeanor has impacted so many in so many ways. The memories I have will forever be here. My prayers to the Akonor family as God will be there each day. Through Kwame’s impact on so many his work and mission will continue.
Your grief is our grief and we pray for comfort in the days to come knowing Kwame has joined ancestors and smiling upon us.
Peace and comfort.
In deepest sympathy,
Sheleea, Travis, Nyla, and Cassidy Leonard
L
Lakeisha & Cedric Wilson posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Monique and family, it is our prayer that God will comfort you and bring you peace during this time. May he richly bless you all as you mourn and be a continual source of solace. We love you!!
R
Ronnie & Willistine Simon lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_peace.png
R
Ronnie & Willistine Simon posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
To Monique and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your pain is our pain, your grief is our grief.
Remember that your family in South Carolina is here for you.
We love you!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
In deepest sympathy,
Ronnie and Willistine Simon
E
Ernest Akonor lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
A
Abdul Nanji posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Rest in Power and Peace my Brother. Your SPIRIT will give us energy towards liberation and Pan Africanism.
Asante sana.
1-LUV.
V
Vanessa Stevens lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_peace.png
M
Milton Allimadi posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Brother Kwame will live forever in our hearts.
The dedicated Pan-African with the warm beautiful smile. He was a tireless brother for African Unity whose work and mission we shall continue.
He invited me to numerous events and lectures he organized while he was a graduate student and later as a professor. We met many times in his office while he was a graduate student to plan a Pan-African conference and we drafted a wonderful document--that work too will continue.
We are all visitors on this earth and our lives must be dedicated to making Africa and the world a better place, as our brother Kwame dedicated his life to doing.
To his family and loved, while no words can provide the comfort you deserve, please know that even though Kwame has joined the ancestors prematurely--his life had tremendous positive impact on all whom he encountered including the hundreds of students he taught.
May our Ancestors now welcome Kwame.
I can see that smile, that wonderful Kwame smile!
E
Ernest T. Akonor Jnr lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
TRIBUTE TO KAKRA
MY BROTHER, FRIEND AND MAINMAN
How I wish I never had to do this! Kakra and I were like cheek by jowl. We were in the same primary school and in the same dormitory during our days in Achimota school. We got each other’s back while being bullied by our seniors we would say oh I don’t have the chop box keys they are with my brother.
At home Kakra and I did a lot together from studying together, martial arts and through to scrabble and music. We would mimic the very successful drum and bass duo who were incidentally brothers (Barret Brothers of the Wailers fame). I was the bassist and he was the drummer. After graduating from the University, he left for the United Kingdom and subsequently the US and the rest as they say is History. I missed the opportunity of being his best man at his wedding in 1996 due to travel arrangement difficulties from my base in Manchester, United Kingdom at the time.
To say that I was his confidant was an understatement. Kakra was a very very private person and unless push came to a shove he will never disclose or let alone discuss any issues which by his judgement or opinion would compromise his privacy.
Though distance separated us we were always in touch by mail and phone calls.
He lived with me anytime he was in Ghana and we ate together and he would often say ‘I will eat whatever Ernest is eating”. He was fun to be with and his infectious smile will always remain in my memory.
I know most parts of his sojourn in the United states has been captured elsewhere and I am sure these are accurate accounts of his persona.
The pages of your book will never be closed, just as the pages of the earlier departed remain open.
We will remember you through the numerous people whose lives you affected so positively.
I have kept our conversation of 25th January 2021 very dear to my heart and it’s unfortunate and it is with great pain that I have to write this tribute, which effectively means our dreams and aspirations and the plans we had would never see the light of day. Simply because you are not around! Indeed, it was one of the most significant moments we spent together.
We also consulted each other every now and then. I am struggling to continue this piece and will like to end it. May God Grant you eternal Rest in perfect Peace until we meet again.
Nantiew Yie Dueh dueh ne amanehono. Ewurade nfa wo kra nsieh.
N
NYASA posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Together all the New York Africanan Studies Association members celebrate Dr Kwame Akonor's memory, and we all pray for his soul to rest in peace! Our colleague and friend was an active long- standing member of the NYASA Executive Board. He led NYASA as its President and was a member of the Publishing Committee. Dr Akonor attended the most recent NYASA EB meeting on March 6th via zoom as well as the ones before. He organized the 2018 NYASA conference at Seton Hall University and headed the LOC. Dr Akonor, NYASA says Thank You, we miss you already but know you will always be with us on the road to a better Africa in a better world. RIP! NYASA
A
Assefaw Bariagaber lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
Kwame was a humble and consummate gentleman, and a well-respected Professor. His humility was such that, except for those who knew him in academic circles, not many would suspect that he was an accomplished scholar. At Seton Hall University where Kwame was a Professor, I have had the pleasure of closely working with him when he served as the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the 43rd Annual Conference of the New York African Studies Association (NYASA), held in April 2018 at the University. Under his leadership, we worked closely for many months to make sure the Conference was successful. And successful it was. But I never knew nor suspected that Kwame came from the Ghanaian nobility because he never behaved as such. He did not need to do that for he was a fine man, inside and out! That fine man has now gone to join the ancestors. So long, Kwame!
E
E. Obiri Addo posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Kwame Atoapoma. Kwafo Akoto dehyee. Damirifa due. Damirifa due. Mewofase. W'aye bi. Onipa beyee bi. W'awie wode. Kohome. Okwan so kose kose oo, Kwame. Wo wofa Nana Obiri Addo nie. Kwame. Da yie. Da yiye. Da yiye.
A
Akua Adjei lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle7.png
Kwame, words cannot describe how very brokenhearted I am. Your passing came as a total shock to me, and for a while, I thought it was an April fool's joke. For some time, each time my phone rang, I thought I was going to be told that it wasn't true; that you hadn't passed away; that it's just a joke. But alas, it is real. Now, sometimes I just stare at your phone number, sadly aware that I won't use it again. I will miss you dearly. You were nothing but a gentleman to me over the years. Solid, dependable, very gentle, always lending a listening ear, always there. Thanks for everything.
You cherished simple things like long conversations over coffee or dinner. You made one feel special. You were very simple but at the same time loaded. I feel honored to have known you, to have been your friend. I will cherish the memories.
May God hide your gentle soul, and may you rest in perfect peace. Da yie, Kwame. Da yie.
W
William Hunt lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
Professor Kwame was a giant to me and many students like me on campus. He guided me towards and through my first independent study and granted me opposite never could have imagined. He made himself human to his students and always had a smile or wide words for you whenever in his presence. I’ll deeply miss running into you in the veggie isle and being seated laughing next to you while we got our haircuts
N
Noelyn Delali posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Although unheard, I thank you for always being there.
Even when you were not at your best, you found a way to make us laugh. You always cared and meant so much to all of us;
You were special and that's not a lie.
You brightened up the darkest day and the greyest sky.
Prince Kakra,
You are loved.
Your death was so unfair.
We made plans
You promised to come back to Ghana in June.
You left us,
But you know what they say, God only takes the best.
Everything happens for a reason,
Even if we may not agree.
Just promise to look after us,
And if you can, save a spot up there for me.
The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to my eyes and even more so because all of this was such a surprise. But we should never question what God has planned, sometimes it's not meant for us to understand.
So as we mourn the loss of a wonderful friend, brother, and mentor that you are, we believe strongly that we will meet again.
Even though ill miss you, I know that you're now happy because you're no longer in pain.
Rest well Kwame,
We celebrate your life and the measure of its worth.
C
Cynthia.Q lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle2.png
Bro, to say I am heartbroken is an understatement. I will hold on to the memories and all the guidance and wisdom you shared so willingly. Thank you for everything. Rest well.
N
Nana Owusu-Adjei uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 16, 2021
/public-file/1024/Ultra/bb518eb5-c17c-4e19-885e-d86804afd925.jpg
/public-file/1025/Ultra/24330678-2da2-46fb-b365-5603ee324574.jpg
/public-file/1026/Ultra/89507291-f582-4747-9d4b-2a51621f97a8.jpg
/public-file/1027/Ultra/0ed83602-2c76-4f51-bada-33cf496cb6eb.jpg
Kwame has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
He has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children ,who has filled his niche and accomplished his task.
He leaves the world better than he found it;
He has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
He never made a fortune, or a noise In the world where men are seeking after fame,
But;
he had a healthy brood of friends ,loved ones and family
Who loved the very ground on which he trod.
He gave us neither eminence nor wealth, but blood untainted with a vice, and opulence of undiluted affection.
He was honest, unpurchable and kind.
As life takes you away from us Kwame, we know it is only your soul saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will always be with us.
When we see a bird chirping on a nearby branch, we will know it is you singing and dancing to us.
When a butterfly brushes gently by us so care freely, we will know it is you assuring us you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches our attention, we will know it is you reminding us to appreciate the simple things in life, like laughter and friendship .
When we hear the rain, pitter patter against our window sills, we will hear your words of wisdom and remember what you always stressed on; that
without rain, trees cannot grow
Without rain, flowers cannot bloom
Without life’s challenges, we cannot grow strong.
Without work we can not feed
We console ourselves that where you are is home.
I leave with 2 Corinthians 13:14
"May the grace of our lord Jesus christ, the love of God and the sweet communion of the holy spirit be there for you and guide you through your transition. "
AMEN
Damrefa due
K
King Mott posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
It is difficult to relate the impact of Kwame in my Department and in my life. He has demonstrated amazing things to so many students and there are individuals in the world now that have the life and credentials that they enjoy because of Dr. Akonor...Kwame...as all called him. Our Department is profoundly impacted by this loss and he remains an important memory and friend as a scholar, teacher, colleague and activist.
s
sayida self posted a condolence
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Dr.Akonor was a classmate at CUNY Graduate Center. A great scholar, funny, personable and always encouraging. A monumental loss....
N
Nana Ekua posted a condolence
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Professor, Brother, Son, Father to name a few but, to me he is Uncle.
Uncle Kakra.
Uncle Kakra was a man of great calibre and from reading the lovely tributes left by his friends, other family members and colleagues around the globe, it is a testament to how much of an influential man he was. His aura could fill the entire room and his presence could not be missed. The memories we had together, flood my mind constantly: from my earliest memory of him giving me my first ever Lala teletubby toy to our most recent telephone and online check ins. He was smart, passionate, funny, diplomatic, kind, thoughtful, empathetic - the list could go on.
He would routinely check up on me, making sure I was well and gave me any encouragement if I needed it-he could always tell if I did. He would often come over to visit and spend time with us sometimes, with his family. He would always tell me about the importance of staying connected to my Ghanaian roots, not bowing down to the western culture and how I needed to embrace my Ghanaian name more as a first name. This really inspired me to look into the culture and I am extremely grateful for that. The last conversation I had with my Uncle prior to his passing, he made it an important point to state how proud of me he was and how proud my Mum would be too.
It is already difficult and will be continually difficult to deal with the fact that he is no longer with us. I pray that God will comfort and surround us all with His peace that surpasses all understanding. Especially, for my Aunty Monique, cousins Efua and Kwesi and Grandmother, as we have lost an amazingly well-rounded individual.
So with an extremely heavy heart, I say rest well in Heaven Uncle. May God Bless your soul. Hug Mum, Uncle Henry, Uncle Mickey and Grandad extra tight for us on the other-side.
Lots of love-I will miss you dearly from your favourite niece,
Nana Ekua
K
Kabukie Tetteh posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
My condolences to Dr. Akonor's family. He was a giant but a humble man who never boast of his accomplishments. It was a pleasure to be around him. I know you are going through a difficult time, but know that it will get easier. God has a way of making it easier. May you find solace in his bossom and may God keep Kwame well. Rest in Peace Dr.Akonor.
K
Kabukie Tetteh lit a candle
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
A
Akua Ohnewaaa lit a candle
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle2.png
May your very beautiful and gentle soul Rest in Heavenly Peace, Kwame. You were a gentleman, and you have earned your angelic wings. I pray for strength and peace for your lovely children.
Z
Zack Yambs posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
To the family of Prof. Akonor:
We extend our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your dearly beloved husband, father and and brother. Prof Akonor was a scholar and friend and gentle at heart.
We pray the Lord to comfort you in this your hour of sorrow and we also beseech him to welcome our friend and colleague into his kingdom.
May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
A. Zachary Yamba, Member of the Seton Hall University Board of Regents and President Emeritus of Essex County College.
Kwaku Gyasi Posted Apr 13, 2021 at 6:11 PM
My senior, dormitory mate and next door neighbor Senior Akonnor aka Mainman, your were such a nice, kind, gentle, smart and caring man. You protected me in high school and all I hear is kind words about. You really touched the hearts of a lot of people who came in contact with you during your time on this earth and you will be sorely missed. Fare thee well and may you rest in perfect peace in Heaven.
Kwaku Gyasi
A
The family of Kwame Y Akonor uploaded a photo
Monday, April 12, 2021
/tribute-images/2368/Ultra/Kwame-Akonor.jpg
Please wait
973-762-2200 (Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home)
973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)
jacobhhollefh@aol.com
prestonfh@aol.com
2122 Millburn Ave | Maplewood, NJ | 07040
153 South Orange Ave. | South Orange NJ | 07079
Looking for something you can't find? We make it easy to get the answers you need. Please feel free to contact us at anytime.