ALHAJI SAKU M. BERETE-SILLAH

 Sunrise: September 8, 1952-Sunset: August 12, 2016

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Berete, Sillah and Sarnor families announce the passing away of our beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, a renowned musician and most popular star of Liberia, Alhaji Saku Mohamed Berete Sillah on August 12, 2016 in Conakry, Guinea West Africa after a brief illness. 

In accordance with the Islamic tradition, he was buried on August 14, 2016 in Dabola Berete, Guinea.  Though a naturalized United States citizen, he was still closely aligned with both Liberia and Guinea which he visited on a regular basis.

He is survived by his wives Kona P. Sumner (first), Fatou Dumbuya (deceased), 

Aye Kake, Fanta Camara, his beloved mother Hadja Daba Sarnor, his five children; Mohammed S. Sillah(son), Hajah Mariama Sillah(eldest daughter), Hajah Aissatta Sillah(second daughter), Zainab F. Sillah(third daughter), Mariama "Mammie" Sillah(fourth daughter and last born), a host of brothers and sisters in New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston as well as those in Liberia and Guinea and several nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was also a father figure to many people within the Liberian/Guinean communities in East Orange, New Jersey, New York and nationwide.

As a school teacher, avid musician and unofficial mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Alhaji Saku Sillah contributed immensely to the growth and wellness of his family, friends and community at large.

A graduate of Saint Patrick School in Liberia, West Africa, the late Alhaji Saku Sillah received his Undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and his Masters of Science in Education from the City College (CUNY), in New York City.

Although he was a school teacher, he moonlighted as a musician. He was the lead vocalist for the popular music group, Saku and the African Connection Band. The band had several hit songs and toured all over the world. His passing is a great loss to all who knew and loved him. 

May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Tribute Event: October 9th, 2016

The United Community Corporation at Westside Park
600 South 17th Street
Newark, NJ 07103
2:00pm -8:00pm

For additional information, please contact:

Mr. Vambah (SK) Sillah (brother)-Boston (617) 270-8319

Ms. Mariama Sillah (eldest daughter)-New York (646) 264-8895

Mrs. Miyatta Sillah (sister)-New Jersey (862) 368-1071

Mrs. Mariama M. Addy (sister)- Philadelphia (267) 456-4868

Mrs. Tonia Jaipur (cousin)-New York (917) 952-2759

Mrs. Teresa Toe (best friend)-New Jersey (973) 202-2331

Recommended Hotel Accomodations

Comfort Suites Newark (Group Rate saved under Tribute Event for Saku Sillah) BOOK BY SEPT. 15
1348 McCarter Highway
Newark, NJ 07104 
Tel: 973-481-5200

Robert Treat Hotel (Group#8123)-BOOK BY SEPT. 16 TO GET THE GROUP RATE
50 Park Place
Newark, NJ 07102 
Tel: 973-622-1000

Hilton Newark Penn Station (Group Rate saved under Tribute Event for Saku Sillah)-BOOK BY 9/27 TO GET THE GROUP RATE

Newark, NJ 07102 
Tel: 973-622-5000

Contributions/Donations

For those wishing to make a donation, accounts have been set-up with; 

(TD Bank) under Tribute for Saku Sillah Account# 4333120387 Routing Number# 026013673