Leon C Goldbourne Jr.

Leon Charles Goldbourne Jr. was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 24, 1926 to Helen Ernestine and Leon Charles Goldbourne Sr. and died on March 12, 2015 in North Charleston, South Carolina. A beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather he lived an exemplary life. At a young age his hallmark abilities of service and leadership were visible, as a junior assistant scout master, in Troop #219 at The First AME Methodist Zion Church in Brooklyn, NY and as an outstanding student in the New York City public school system. In 1944 Leon enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II. His tour of duty took him to the Philippines and he was awarded a World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Philippine Independence Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After the Army Leon enrolled in Long Island University where he met the love of his life Ann Rose Mulcare in 1947. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and began his 37 year career at the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the USPS, Leon began a second career as the Mailroom Supervisor at Calvin Klein Cosmetics where he was adored and was affectionately known throughout the organization as the black Yul Brynner, the legendary actor. Leon and Ann started their family in their first home on Lincoln Place in Brooklyn, NY, with the birth of their first child Annette Cecile. In 1960 Leon, Ann and Annette moved to their second home in Hollis, Queens where their second child Helena Rose was born. They created a loving and nurturing home there for the next 42 years, before relocating to North Charleston, S.C. While in Queens Leon faithfully served at Hollis Presbyterian Church as Deacon, Elder and Chaired several Committees during his tenure. One of his most memorable moments occurred when he travelled with the HPC choir to sing in Vienna, Austria (The City of Music) Leon’s great passions were: Serving the Lord, doting on his family, reading the NY Times, studying and sharing Black history, chocolate cake and singing with the Senior and Men’s Choir at both Hollis Presbyterian Church-NY and The Church House of Ministries Worldwide-SC. His enjoyment for music especially Classical, Spiritual, Jazz and the Motown Sound was boundless and he loved to Boogie Woogie and do the Electric Slide. Leon is survived by his wife of 64 1/2 years Ann, daughters Annette and Helena, twin brother William O. Goldbourne and his wife Frances, granddaughters Amanda, Courtni and Kayla and sister in law Dr. Louisa J. Mulcare. Leon was a gentle soul, whose wisdom, humor, love of music and gift of friendship profoundly touched many lives and he will be dearly missed.