Obituary for Sr. Leon E. Rasberry
Leon Edgar Rasberry Sr.Leon Edgar Rasberry Sr. passed on to his heavenly home on Friday, November 6 in the year of our Lord 2015. Leon was surrounded by family and friends at the Summa Akron City Hospital before his passing and prayers were lifted up to heaven - Leon passed on in peace.Leon Edgar Rasberry was born on November 7, 1937 in Akron, Ohio from the marriage union of Gertrude Brewer (Humphrey-Rasberry) and Edwin Rasberry.
Leon grew up in Akron''s Southside and graduated from Garfield High School. His maternal grandparents were founding members of the Shiloh Baptist Church and young Leon grew up with love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and with a passionate appreciation for education and community service.A consummate goal setter and community oriented even in his youth, Leon was member of Boy Scouts of America during the time of segregated troops.
He was also an avid bowler winning several tournaments in league play and as an individual competitor. Leon was very deliberate and committed to his education, earning an Associate Degree in Transportation in 1968 and a Bachelor''s of Arts Degree in Business Administration in 1972 from The University of Akron. He also worked for two years on his Master''s Degree in Urban Administration at The University of Akron. Leon was also a well-respected long-time member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.Always a high achiever and professional civil servant, Leon was blessed with several influential professional positions even while pursuing his collegiate education. A pioneer in the area of urban development, economic equality, and local civil rights activism starting in 1968 until 1999, Leon held management positions in the Summit County Prosecutor''s Office, Akron Bar Association, and the Summit County Department of Diversion Services. During the last 20 years of his career he held executive management positions at the Akron Summit Community Action Agency, Richland/Morrow Community Action Agency in Mansfield, Ohio, and the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland
.Leon leaves to mourn his passing, sister, Cynthia Long (Rasberry); daughters, Michele R. (Omar) Raheem, Lenora D. (Michael) Lodge, Kelly A. Scott (Rasberry); sons, Leon E. Rasberry, Jr., Lawrence E. (Kelly) Rasberry, and Edwin A. (Cynkita) Rasberry; stepchildren, Carlisa A. Andrews and Edward C. Hopson; grandchildren, Deonna Raheem, Michael Lodge Jr., Terence Lodge, Kennedy Rasberry, Lindsey Rasberry, Imani Scott-Thompson, Giavonna Scott, Darrian Hobbs-Rasberry, Keairra Davis-Rasberry, Jade Rasberry, and Edwin Rasberry Jr.; nieces, Tracey Lee, County Councilwoman Tamela Lee, Lucille Johnson-Humphrey, Lillian A. Mitchell; nephews, Gary Lee and Tony Johnson; along with a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude Brewer (Humphrey-Rasberry) and Edwin Rasberry