Dwayne was born in Kingston, Jamaica and he grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. He is preceded in death by his father, Glenly Hylton, he is survived by his mother, Annette Hylton.
Dwayne was one of 8 siblings. He had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He was born the 2nd to last child. Only 4 siblings remain living, He is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Dwayne is survived by his son, Romane Hylton, and his daughter, Xavier “Xavy” Wright.
Dwayne attended Knox College in Ja. (I don’t know the name of the high school or level of college completed)
Dwayne was a lifelong athlete with a huge love for playing soccer himself, and later, he became a personal trainer and was once a trainer for the famous singer “Shaggy.”
Dwayne became a US citizen in August 2019 while already being diagnosed with ALS and using his power wheelchair and he required full assistance with breathing using a ventilator and using a tobii computer with his eyes to type what he wanted to say and drive himself around. It was funny to hear his automated voice (from the computer) saying “Yeah. I’m a US citizen, yeah!”
While in the US, he resided in South Florida and worked as a personal trainer for LA Fitness and the YMCA.
In 2012 he competed in Ft Lauderdale at the War Memorial Auditorium for Mr Physique competition and of course won 1st place in his category/age group. One trait about Dwayne was, once he set his mind on something, he was determined to carry it out, he was very disciplined to carry out whatever he started.
In 2013 – 2014 Dwayne started back up the sport of road cycling and was a beloved cyclist in a huge community of cyclists in South Florida, earning the nickname “Bridge Boy” because he was so powerful over the bridges that he often flew past the whole group of cyclists as we watched him fly past us. He rode with a lot of different groups to learn from others and meet new people. Dwayne loved to be around people, he loved watching families or groups of people getting together, he loved children and babies. Babies were often drawn to him even while he was in his big wheelchair.
His last job he worked as a security officer at the Pennisula in Aventura, FL until his arms weakened and in October of 2014 his body started losing a lot of muscle mass, and soon afterward, he became increasingly weaker, and by 2016 he wasn’t able to walk anymore and required a wheelchair which is when the cycling community really started helping support his journey, they bought his first transport wheelchair and held fundraisers so he could buy things for his medical needs, like a lift chair to be able to stand up, a special bed that would help lift the head of the bed so he could get out of bed, he bought special food to assist in his ability to keep weight on and not choke.
In December 2017, his condition worsened, requiring a feeding tube, and 3 days later, he required a tracheostomy when the Drs we unable to regulate his breathing. His recovery took 2 months, and he went home under the care of life partner Sheila D’Andrea, who became his 24/7 devoted nurse and caregiver and others often called her “His Angel.” They shared a special love and bond of trust and devotion that is only understood by families enduring the horrible disease known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” or “ALS,” which a trend called the “Ice Bucket Challenge” became a popular internet sensation, where many celebrities and others would dump a bucket of ice water over their head to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure the disease. Dwayne did the challenge in August 2014 and unbeknownst to him, he had ALS himself ans didn’t realize that he would soon develop more muscle atrophy in his upper body that would continue progressing until 2016 when he could no longer walk.
In June of 2017, after growing up in and around the church in different religions, he once and for all devoted his life to Jesus and he was baptized in a pool while Sheila held her finger over his trach, and that’s when he made the decision to never turn his back from God again. He lived 6 and a half years with a trach on a ventilator and had a feeding tube, in order to share God’s word and His promises to others, so that they too can have eternal salvation with our Heavenly Father.
Dwayne suffered chronic pneumonia in the last 2 years, requiring hospitalizations every couple of months, and the last almost 8 months were mostly in the hospital and he fought long and hard so that he could continue to help lead others to Our Lord and Savior. He wanted to share as much as possible so that people would be inspired to seek God with everything they have as he did.
Dwayne Anthony Hylton, you were so loved unconditionally by those who were close to you. You tried as hard as you could to show others that you truly loved them and you weren’t afraid to show it!
I know you are resting in peace and we will soon be reunited.
All my love, forever and a day, Sheila.
Visitation to be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 12:30 PM until Funeral Service at 1:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. Immediately followed by Graveside Service at Hollywood Memorial Gardens (West) at 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024.
SHEILA D'ANDREA
July 11, 2024, 9:49 pm
The day that I never wanted to see has arrived. You were the most amazing man I have ever met. You fought the good fight against ALS, you fought it hard and long. You fought with grace and dignity and all all that you could, but, Our Heavenly Father has now called you home. There are no words to convey the feeling of loss without you. The bond that we shared during this journey will never be replicated due to our unique challenges. I will love you forever, I will do my best to make you proud and help keep ALS awareness out there until they find the cure!
I know our Lord is saying 🙏🏼 “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You did your best from the confines of your wheelchair and your eyes to continue trying to serve God and shared your journey openly to help others.
I am so proud of the beautiful, spiritual man you became. Others would easily give up and many times others felt you should, but it was a spiritual battle and there was no quit in you!
I know it will be hard for me to move forward, but with God all things are possible and I will continue your fight until we meet again 🙏🏼 ❤️!
Rest in peace my love! Your work here is finished.
I Love you forever and a day…
Your angel 😇, Sheila
LÁZARO ANTONIO
July 12, 2024, 1:04 am
Q.E.P.D. Nuestro Gran Querído Hermaníto DWAYNE…
Ya estás con Nuestro PADRE CELESTÍAL Y ETERNO DIOS TODOPODEROSO, TE NÓS ADELANTASTE SOLAMENTE; YA NÓS ENCONTRAREMOS CON ÉL FAVOR Y LA GRACÍA DE PAPÁ…
MÍ MÁS SINCERO ABRAZO PARA TODA LA FAMILIA…
Barbara Schreck Evans
July 12, 2024, 1:37 am
Although we have never met, being family makes us kin. I have followed your battle via Facebook and marvel at the transformation of your body, faith, relationships over the years.
Yahwey look over the family and grant them the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ offers to those who mourn your passing into another life, free of ALS. Know that they know you are awaiting your loving family to join you in Paradise.
Cousin Barbara & family
Marilyn Jacobs
July 12, 2024, 3:20 am
Lord I pray for strength for Sheila as she moves into the future without the love of her life. I know that all things are possible with You by her side. Give her hope for each day,help to lean on You always. For You are her peace,hope,shelter from every storm that may come against her. Amen. With love Marilyn J.
James Alessandro Herrera
July 12, 2024, 4:40 am
I wish I could have ridden with you. By the time I entered the sport in 2014 you had already set your mark. I will always remember all the great advise you gave me when I competed locally. You lasted a long time with this degenerate illness, never throwing in the towel. Not many would have endured. Even though life gave you the short end of the stick, you nevertheless showed a level of happiness and gratitude that would eclipse the healthiest of other individuals. Through your podcasts, you set the standard of how we should conduct ourselves as a true human being.
L guru
Rachel Doboga
July 12, 2024, 4:46 am
Dwayne, I never met you, never spoke to you, yet I am inspired by you. I have followed your ALS journey through my dear friend Sheila’s Facebook posts, and I have seen your enthusiasm for life even as the same disease that I suffer from took everything from you. Thank you for living a remarkable life right up until the end of your decade-long battle with ALS. You are a true hero.
Gilda Hamilton
July 13, 2024, 3:41 am
My heart goes out to you beautiful souls, Sheila and Dwayne, families and loved ones worldwide. RIP Dwayne and prayers for comfort for his families and loved ones! May God bless you with peace and comfort in cherished memories. Sending love
Amen!