Merrick's Memorial Day 2015 Grand Marshal, Leonard T. Tucker

Leonard T. Tucker

Leonard T. Tucker was born in Brooklyn, New York, after graduating High School at the age of 18; he enlisted in the United States Navy. His love of water drew him to the Navy. He was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois, for boot camp, and on to the base in Little Creek, Virginia. His rank was Seaman Second Class (Yeoman). He was sent to school to learn typing and other office skills. He really preferred to work on a ship. After working in an office for a while, he was sent to a school to learn how to teach servicemen how to make safe landings. While in the service he had the privilege of playing Baseball and Football on the teams where he was stationed. He was honorably discharged from the in November of 1947.

After being discharged from the service, he went to New York University on the G.I. bill, and graduated with a bachelors and master's degree, and almost with a PHD. For eleven years he taught at Bellevue Hospital as a teacher to emotionally disturbed students. He taught in the New York City school system and became acting chairman of Wingate High School in the Physical Education Department in Brooklyn, New York. He coached Baseball, Soccer, and Swimming in this high school. He was the head of all High School Basketball Referees in New York City and Soccer Commissioner of all five New York boroughs. Upon his retirement, he was asked to teach at Queensborough Community College in the Physical Education Department, and taught there for a number of years. He retired in 1985.

Lenny has been married to his wife, Betty, for 62 years. They have two sons and seven grandchildren. In retirement he has been a volunteer at the Association for Mentally Challenged Children and Adults (AHRC) for sixteen years. He teaches exercise and body conditioning to the participants in this organization. When on vacation in Florida, he volunteers at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

Lenny Tucker has been in the American Legion for over 40 years. He serves as Service Officer and performs various duties for the American Legion. He helps his fellow veterans and has been an asset to the Merrick Post No.1282, American Legion.

Merrick Post 1282 Support Staff