TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
JohnA. Lane, Jr. 1960–2019 Husband, Friend
Psi ® . Brother John A. Lane, Jr. is pre- ceded in death by his mother. He is sur- vived by his father, his loving wife Betsy, brothers Dennis and Ty (Teresa) Lane and a host of close relatives, former co- workers and friends. Kevin B. Nero 1956–2019 Radio Personality, Computer Programmer
In 1984, he became ardent supporter of jazz music through his popular radio program that originates from the campus of Alabama State University, WVAS 90.7 FM, and was streamed over the internet to worldwide audiences. Affiliated with the Montgomery (AL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Nero was also a board member for the Alabama Jazz & Blues Federation, Montgomery Rescue Mission, and Central Montgomery Optimist Club. Nero was a member of the Nat King Cole Society which honors the famed singer who was a Montgomery, AL native. He was also a charter member of the General Chappie James chapter of Blacks in Government and member of the Montgomery Alumni chapter of Alabama State University. Locally, Nero established the annual Rev. Abernathy Scholarship Breakfast. He was selected by the city of Montgomery, AL as a cultural exchange representative to Seoul Korea in an effort to create a partnership with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing. He is survived by his wife, Marietta (nee Varner) Nero; two daughters Aundrea Nero and Nicole (Emmanuel) Sonaike; brother Saul Smith of Dallas, TX, and sisters Blanche Brown and Betty Goodwin as well as a host of cherished nieces, nephews, ASU Hornet alumni and fans of Vagabond of Jazz.
John Lane was characterized by brothers who knew him as the “’Go To’ Nupe. If it needed to be done, he was always first to volunteer. He was
Known professionally as Kevin Sinclair, Brother Kevin B. Nero, a Montgomery, AL radio show host, entered the Chapter Invisible
a gentle giant. Large in stature, but kind, generous and sensitive.” John A. Lane, Jr. (Theta 1982) entered the Chapter Invisible on July 20, 2019 at the age of 59 after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Lane was born in Evanston, IL on June 22, 1960 to John A. Lane, Sr. and the late Ruby Mae (née Winston) Lane. He graduated from Evanston (IL) Township High School in 1978. He attended Western Michigan Univer- sity in Kalamazoo, MI. Professionally, Lane worked at Federal Express for over 25 years. During his time at Fedex®, the company bestowed to Lane its highest award, the Humanitarian Award. He was happiest when he was giving back to the community. He enjoyed making grants through the charitable foundation on whose board he served, but he especially loved leading the charge to deliver food to the hungry, help to the homeless, and holiday toys to brighten Christmas morning for children in need. He mentored, listened, guided, counseled, nudged, and always tried to set an example and inspire young people to make the most of their lives. He maintained lifelong relationships with friends from football, karate, and the gym. He worked hard to stay strong and healthy, and receiving the diagnosis of such an aggressive disease was the hardest hit he ever took.
on April 20, 2019 as 63. WVAS-FM, where Nero hosted his radio show for many years, commented on social media, “It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our longtime host Kevin Sinclair also known as the "Vagabond of Jazz." Sinclair has been an integral part of the ‘Voice of Alabama State’ since the station first signed on. He was the host of The Night Service of Sound for many years and was currently hosting Saturday Jazz Flavors. We are very thankful for his contributions and will miss his elegant and golden voice.” He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Lu James and Blanche (Valrie) Nero. He was a track and field star at Thomas Edison High School in the Jamaica, Queens. He attended Alabama State University (ASU) in Montgomery, AL on a pole vault scholarship. While at ASU, Nero joined the fraternity as a 1975 initiate of the Alabama State University Chapter, the Beta Zeta of Kappa Alpha Psi. He earned his BA in computer science from Alabama State University in 1980. Post-graduation, Nero worked for 35 years for the U.S. Military as a computer programmer, systems analyst, project manager, program manager, executive office and contract officer representative, supporting the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense.
Calvin R. Paris 1932–2019 Entrepreneur, Businessman
Calvin R. Paris (Xi 1951) entered the Chapter Invisible on May 3, 2019 at the age of 86 in his adopted hometown of Delray Beach, FL. He was born to
Samuel and Nellie Paris on September 5, 1932, in New Haven, CT. He grew up in New Haven’s tightly knit West In- dian Community, alongside many others who had also recently emigrated to New
Lane was a member of the Evanston (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha
THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2019 | 191
Publishing achievement for 105 years
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