| Birth: | Dec. 30, 1925
Springfield
Hampden County
Massachusetts, USA | | Death: | May 24, 2009
New London
New London County
Connecticut, USA | 
New London, CT - Leo E. Jackson, age 83, of New London, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at home surrounded by his family.
Leo was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Springfield, Mass.; he was the son of the late Andrew J. Jackson and Ethel L. Williams Jackson.
He graduated from Springfield Technical High School. At the age of 19 he earned his pilot's license from the State of Massachusetts. In 1944, Leo was voluntarily inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force and received further flight training as a pilot with the legendary "Tuskegee Airmen". He was honorably discharged in 1946.
In 1958, he moved to New London where he resided for over five decades. He was employed at General Dynamics Electric Boat for 29 years and retired in 1988, after holding several positions which included a Welder, Senior Instructor, On the Job Training Coordinator, Shipyard Placement Representative and Suggestion Analyst.
Public service was very important to Leo and he distinguished himself by serving on numerous community and civic boards, some of which were Easter Seals, and the Community Resource Commission. For several years he served as a trustee and member of the Victory Lodge of Elks #1096 I.B.P.O.E. of W. He was elected and served on the New London City Council from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1989 to 1993. Additionally, he served on the Board of Education, the Sewer and Water Commission and the Redevelopment Agency.
In December of 1979, Leo was appointed Mayor of the City of New London and is credited with being the "First African American" Mayor of New London and New England.
After his retirement from Electric Boat, Leo began a second career and was employed by Foxwoods Resort Casino in the transportation department for seventeen years. He greatly enjoyed his job and especially loved meeting people from all walks of life. Leo maintained a spotless attendance record and was recognized on several occasions for his work ethic.
Leo is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 36 years. In addition to his wife he leaves three daughters, Margo Jackson her husband, Manuel Tavares of Waterbury, Delorice Diggs of Philadelphia, Pa., Cheryl Bunn of New London; four sons, Reginald Jackson his wife, Christle of Boston, Mass., Lionel Jackson of Rocky Hill, Harrison Stroud of New London, William Stroud and his wife, Michelle of New London; and his grandchildren, Aisha, Sholanda, Kelcey, Atia, Joseph, Matthew, Michael, Jasmine, Alyssa, Abigail and Shantice, all of whom he was very fond; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends to cherish his memory.
He was predeceased by three brothers, Caleb, Hugh, Sylvester and three sisters, Ethel, Doris and Theresa Jackson.
Leo Edwin Jackson has lived an exemplary life, serving his community and country with dedication and dignity. He has set an excellent example for family and peers, and he will be greatly missed.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 28, at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London. His burial with full military honors will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be directed to the Hospice of S.E. CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.
Published in The Day on 5/27/2009 www.theday.com
| | | Burial:
Cedar Grove Cemetery
New London
New London County
Connecticut, USA |
Created by: Linda Mary Machie Beebe ...
Record added: May 27, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 37598314 |
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Added by: Anonymous | | |
Cemetery Photo
Added by:
Jan Franco
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