Raheem Ali Carter, 25

GROTON, Conn. - Raheem Ali Carter of Groton passed away Friday, April 13, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 25.

He was born an identical twin Nov. 23, 1981, in Wilmington, Del., son of Sheila Perry of Groton and Michael A. Carter of Dover, Del.

After surviving a premature birth, Raheem was raised in Poquonnock Bridge. He was proud of where he lived and the people he grew up with.

From Little League to Babe Ruth, from basketball to football, he always excelled in sports, a true leader by nature. His athletic ability and kind words always led him to the top of everything he participated in.

Raheem was a 2000 graduate of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School was a three-year starter at quarterback, leading his team to a 1999 state championship, breaking the all-time ECC career touchdown passing record. He was also the captain of both the football and track team, a leadership role that had left him the admiration of everyone he touched.

His exemplary character continued at Central Connecticut State University, where he started at quarterback as a freshman. He later transferred to the University of Rhode Island, earning a full scholarship alongside his brother. Raheem, the older twin by two minutes, kept his brother, Rashaad, under his wing, caring for him and introducing him to the hundreds of friends made throughout his years at the university. After receiving a bachelor of arts in sociology in 2005, he continued on with his childhood dream by entering a career in law enforcement.

In the summer of 2005, Raheem was sworn into the city of New London Police Department. He loved being a police officer and was inspired daily by his mentor, Lt. Margaret Ackley. He shared a strong belief in God with the lieutenant and, as Raheem carried his twin and many close friends under his watch, the lieutenant watched over Raheem. Being a police officer meant a great deal to him, and he always wore the uniform proudly.

In addition to his many honors and accolades in sports and academics, he was recently presented with a Citation of Excellence. State Rep. Ernest Hewett came to Raheem's home and personally awarded him the Citation of Excellence as a police officer, shortly before he left for the hospital. The citation epitomized what Raheem's life stood for; compassion, courage and strong will. Despite his illness, Raheem rose to the recognition and received his award with honor.

Raheem showed a community what hard work could do. He also gave friends, family and strangers who had gone astray, inspiration. He gave to others and only hoped that people could see what peace and love could bring to one another. He promoted his beliefs to our youth and always showed love and respect to authority figures. He only asked that those authority figures pass the message on to our youth.

He was a loyal and faithful member of New Life Church in Ledyard. His faith ran deep and helped him through his 25 years of life, particularly during his recent battle with cancer. Raheem touched many lives with his leadership, passion and strong faith and will be sorely missed by family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elbert and Bessie Perry; and his paternal grandfather, Isaac Carter Sr.

He is survived by his parents and brother Rashaad; a sister, Sheleena Perry of Groton; a brother, Elijah Word of Wilmington.; his paternal grandmother, Mary N. Carter of Dover; his aunts, Donna Perry and her son, Robert Perry-Crawford, of Groton, Barbara Horton, Diane Wilson, Jackie Watkins, Deborah Wilson and Belinda Lewis, all of Delaware; uncles, Elbert Perry and son, Benjamin Perry, of Groton, Isaac Carter Jr., and Gary Carter, all of Delaware; 30 first cousins in Delaware; and his stepfather, Jesse McClellan and goddaughter, Gracie Burns, both of Groton.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in New Life Church, 1729 Center Groton Road, Ledyard.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday in St. John's Christian Church, 346 Shennecosset Road, Groton.

Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.

Following the burial, a reception will be held at the Port and Starboard Room, Ocean Beach Park, New London.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Raheem Ali Carter Student Memorial Fund, Robert E. Fitch Sr. High School, 101 Groton Long Point Road, Groton CT 06340.