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.