Leo Gordon

A Rockefeller University security guard for 17 years, Leo Gordon served under four presidents, joined in the celebrations of four Nobel Prize winners and attended the graduations of over 400 students. “A couple of his years here, he was chosen to carry the university flag in the Convocation processional. I never saw him so proud as he was on those days,” says Michael John, who as assistant director of security worked with Mr. Gordon for nearly two decades. Mr. Gordon passed away May 17.
Leo Saint Clare Gordon was born in Hanover, Jamaica, on February 20, 1951, the third of nine children. As a teenager, he served in the Jamaican military, and then migrated to the United States. With his wife, Norka Robles-Gordon, originally of the Dominican Republic, he had four children: Damion, Michelle, Nichole and Keisha. He was grandfather to seven.
Mr. Gordon was known as a private person who devoted his life to family and work. “He was always friendly and welcoming at the gates with his million-dollar smile, but it was in illness that I came to know his optimistic dignity and his exceptional grace,” says Mary Brust, director of occupational health services. “He endeared himself to me with his quiet candor discussing health matters, rejoicing when he was able to work and sharing the sadness when it was no longer possible.”
After interment at Pinelawn Cemetery in Long Island on May 25, memorial services were held on May 26 at St. Anthony’s Baptist Church in Brooklyn. Mr. Gordon is survived by his wife, his children and grandchildren, three brothers and five sisters, including Juanita Gordon, who works in Rockefeller University’s Housing Office.