Leon Claiborne “Ace” Parker was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 10, 1933 to Mr. Leon Claiborne Parker Sr. and Mrs. Mary Parker. He was the eldest of five sons. As a child, he loved sports, especially football. It was during football that he adopted the name “Ace”. He grew up impoverished which motivated him to pursue success in all aspects of his life. He began working at the tender age of eight years old; delivering newspapers. This was the beginning of a long life full of hard work, determination and achievements.

Upon his completion of High School, Leon attended South Carolina State College from 1951 to 1955 on a full football scholarship. There he became the captain of the college's football team, The Bulldogs. He graduated in May of 1955 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. Shortly after receiving his degree, he acquired his teaching license in General Science. In the midst of all of his achievements, he met and married his first wife, Mary King. From this union, he had his first two children, Sebrena and Loren. As a father, he was a disciplinarian and wanted nothing but the best for all of his children. Although he now had a family, he still continued to strive for further accomplishments. In 1957, he was inducted into the United States Air Force where he was elected “Airman of the Month” in competition with 2,500 personnel assigned at that time. He was honorably discharged in 1961.

Leon had a great desire to help others. This was the guiding theme considered in the selection of his career as an educator. In 1963, he became a New York City public school teacher, but continued his education in order to excel in his career. Prior to attending Hunter College, he married his second wife, Carmen De Costa and forever embraced her three young children Norma, Harry and Laura. During their union, they welcomed four daughters into the world; Sylvinia, Sadira, Salema and Syreeta. As his family grew, so did his list of accolades. He graduated from Hunter College in 1973 and earned his first Master’s of Arts Degree. He went on to earn two more Master's Degrees from Columbia University in 1976. Following this achievement, he attained his School District Administrator License. This license enabled him to begin the administrative chapter of his career as a Public School Dean. He quickly climbed the administrative ladder at the Board of Education and became a Public School Principal. He dedicated his professionalism to the New York City public school system for over 40 years. He reluctantly retired in 2003.

Leon C. Parker is survived by his nine children Sebrena, Loren, Norma, Harry, Laura. Sylvinia, Sadira, Salema and Syreeta, his second wife, Carmen Parker, his brothers, Peter and Willie Parker, 27 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, his close friend Pamela Albert and a host of additional family and friends. He will forever be loved and missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon C "Ace" Parker, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Affiliations