Kazel Robert Mituba Mutombo,  31, of Cheltenham, Maryland

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Kazel Mutombo peacefully transitioned to eternal rest.

Kazel Robert Mituba Mutombo was born on December 7, 1992 in Clinton, Maryland. He is the only child of Ilo Mituba Mutombo and Kyrese Angela Johnson. On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Kazel passed away peacefully while hospitalized at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia with his family at his side.

Kazel attended elementary school at Archbishop Neale Catholic School in La Plata, Maryland, where he received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Plata, MD. He graduated in 2010 from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Exercise Science from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, which became his home until this year.

As the nephew of an NBA all-star and Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo, Kazel was very interested in basketball. He was very close to his uncle, so he attended as many of his uncle's games as he could and was fortunate enough to meet many NBA players. His favorite team was the Miami Heat and favorite football team was the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop music.

Kazel was Chaplain at Post 82 in La Plata for the Sons of the American Legion, through eligibility from his grandfather, Robert Johnson. As the first and only American Mutombo, he was looked up to by all of his Congolese cousins. They all thought of them as their "Big Brother" due to his height of 7'0". They respected him and always cherished his advice. He would often be the driver for their airport arrivals or departures. His number one enjoyment in life was his family. He loved family functions and get-togethers. He was known as a "Gentle Giant" to all. He had a bonus North Carolina family of friends who considered him not only a friend, but a brother, mentor, and role model. He was always kind and considerate to everyone. Love, laughter, and making memories is what he cherished most.

Kazel is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert Johnson, and paternal grandparents: Marie Biamba Washiya Mutombo and Samuel Mutombo Mukamba, uncles: Kamba Mutambayi, Kanyinda Ngulungu, Celou Ntumba Mutombo and aunt: Veronique Muanza Tshilongo.

Left to cherish fond memories are his devoted parents: Kyrese Johnson and Ilo Mutombo, sisters: Rachel and Carmel Mutombo, loving grandmother: Dorothy Johnson, uncles: Kyle Johnson (Rita), Dr. Louis Kanda (Mirelle), Dikembe Mutombo (Rose), Tshitenge Mutombo (Leah), Coco Kanda (Lidie), Barrie  Ngundu (Naaba), Jean Claude Kamana, and Mengo Mavoko; very special friends: Alisha Jones, Chad McGowin, and a host of loving cousins, bonus relatives, and friends.

His viewing will be 6:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday April, 30, 2024 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640 and again from 9:00am until  time of Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 1,2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St Marys Ave, La Plata, Maryland 20646.  Interment, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, La Plata, Maryland 20646.