Our Inspiration , Jack De Leon
Jack was born and raised in Seattle where he attended Franklin High School . While in high school he received his draft number and enlisted in the Army National Guard . After returning from active duty he attended Western Washington University .
At Western , Jack found his calling in the restaurant industry . After college , Jack went to work for a large restaurant chain . In 1980 he purchased his first full service restaurant in Bremerton . After finding success with his restaurant , he purchased another . In 1984 he sold both restaurants and went to work for Skipper ’ s Fish and Chips . Jack travelled all over the west coast to open franchise restaurants in Hawaii , California , Oregon , and Washington . He eventually became district manager and remained in the position until 1995 when the company closed . Jack then began working at Albertsons , which is where he met some of his closest friends .
Photo by Meryl Alcabes Photography
In 2007 , Jack ’ s son , his pride and joy , Abraham ( AJ ), enrolled at NYHS . Jack immediately started to volunteer for the school , focusing his efforts in fundraising . Jack believed strongly in the power of education , and specifically Jewish education , to bolster a community .
Jack had a long-standing commitment to NYHS . He served as President of the Board from 2013-2015 and chaired three galas , three Chanukah carnivals , the development committee and the Sefer Torah Dedication . In addition to his NYHS commitment , Jack had been a lifelong member of Ezra Bessaroth where he served as president and star volunteer .
When asked why Jack believed supporting NYHS was so important , his answer was simple :
Every thriving Jewish community needs a great Jewish high school . I try to do my part to ensure NYHS is that school . I also believe that parents , alone , cannot sustain a Jewish school . It is the responsibility of every one of us who cares deeply about our community .
On Sunday , January 1 , 2017 , Jack passed away . He left behind his dear mother , Julie De Leon , sisters , Mary Tobin and Janice De Leon Gorelick and his son , Abraham ( AJ ), who will be accepting the honor in his name .