Maurice Diu

Maurice Douglas was a fun loving, passionate man who was the light in the lives of all who knew him. He was born on May 15, 1968 in New Haven, Connecticut. Maurice was lovingly raised by his mother Paulette Douglas, his father Charles Younger and late grandparents Daniel Douglas and Arlene Douglas. From a young age, Maurice was extremely competitive and a lover or sports. He played pee wee football and little league baseball at Walter Pop Smith Little League for the knickerbockers under coach Rieles. He also was a member of the Walter Pop Smith All Star team that won the state title in 1980 and was only two wins away from reaching the Little League World Series. Maurice grew up with his brother Stephen Douglas in the “545” apartments on Sherman Parkway in New Haven, CT. While there he formed lifelong friendships with several people some of them include Martin Barrett, Marsha Barrett and the Barrett family, Alan Ladson and the Ladson family, Lindberg Pugh and the Pugh family, Maurice Carrington, Andy Carrington and the Carrington family, Micky Gay and the Gay family and Lynair Walker and Walker family. Maurice attended Savin Rock Elementary School and Carrigan Middle School where he participated in several other sports like football and basketball. Though he chose not to pursue any of these paths professionally, his love for sports never faded. He was a lifelong loyal Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bulls fan. Maurice later attended West Haven High School and James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT graduating in the Class of 1986. After Highschool, he enrolled in an electrical training program to become an electrician and successfully received his certificate in electrical technology in 2006. During this time, his love and passion for music grew abundantly and he then linked up with music producer Richard Copeland and friend Marlon John. Together they became a vibrant underground hip hop group named B.U.M where Maurice “40-Grip” Douglas showcased his talents as a writer and lyricist on several iconic underground hip hop songs that you can find on Youtube. Maurice also had a strong sense of brotherhood and felt that it was important to give back to his community. This led him to become briefly involved with the Masonic Temple of New Haven where he volunteered to feed the homeless and mentor the youth to uplift the community for several years. Maurice’s legacy is one of love, respect and joy. He leaves to cherish in his memory his mother, Paulette Douglas, his father, Charles Younger, his brother Stephen Douglas. His aunts: Patricia Hawley, Shirley Douglas, Sheila Douglas, Candice Younger and Tina Rutledge. His uncles: Russell Douglas Sr., Micheal Younger Sr., Richard Holland, Harold Holland & Rudolph Dalton. Several cousins including: Derrick London, Kent London, Anthony London, Shawn Douglas, Antione Pena, Russell Douglas Jr, Colleen London, Freida Hawley, Kimberly Springerley, Chevelle Douglas, Stacey Brooks, Tracey Brooks, Denise Younger and a host of other relatives and friends. Although he is no longer with us, Maurice will always be remembered for his loving personality, joyfulness, laughter and smile. He always found ways to cultivate humor, joy and laughter even during stale and otherwise mundane moments. He will be loved and missed and his legacy will continue to inspire us all forever.

Maurice Diu

May 15, 1968 - May 4, 2026