On Thursday, April 4, 2019, Deodat Hilton Gangapersaud was taken from his family in a horrific helicopter accident in Tampa, Florida. He was the son of the late Ganga and Tulia Persaud of Whim, Guyana.
Hilton was born on October 14, 1946 in Whim, Guyana. He migrated to the United States in 1979 and resided with his wife and children in Maryland until 2005.
Hilton worked at the World Bank in Washington, D.C for over 20 years. There, he was a special police officer known as Sergeant Ganga.
In 2005, Hilton relocated to Tampa, Florida with his loving wife and four of his children. He came to Florida to retire early and do the things he loved: gardening, working on cars, raising livestock and being able to enjoy his family and dogs.
Hilton was a busy body, he could never sit still and let time pass. This resulted in him going back into the workforce for an additional five years until he retired again at the age of 65. Even after he retired from the workforce for the second time, he ended up building his own mechanic shop from the ground up with the help of his sons. This mechanic shop was his hobby that he took great pride in.
Hilton brought life and laughter into the lives of anyone he touched. He was a family man who many gravitated towards. There was never a dull moment with him. If he wasn't telling you a joke, then he was dancing or singing with you. He didn't have any friends because he considered everyone family. He was not only a provider, but also a giver. He would never let you leave his home without a gift.
Hilton is survived by his devoted wife, Grace, of 38 years; along with their five children: two sons: Milton and Ryan; three daughters: Jasmine and her husband Richard, Neelomie and her husband William, and the youngest, Sharita; eight grandchildren: Camisha, Nicholas, Alexia, Joshua, Mariah, William III, Yolanda, and Zion Hilton; one great-grandson: Jaden; three brothers: Balchand, Baljiet, and Moti; five sisters: Lynette, Zeena, Liloutie, Calo, and Nadira; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
Hilton was preceded in death by his parents: Ganga and Tulia Persaud and brother Charlie Persaud.


"Death leaves a heartache,
no one can heal
Love leaves a memory,
No one can steal"
-Anonymous


So with you: Now is your time of grief,
but I will see you again and you will rejoice,
and no one will take away your joy
John 16:22

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