Carmen Paul Leto's Obituary
Carmen Paul Leto
Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director & Administrator
Age 74, of Lewes, DE, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE.
Mr. Leto was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 28, 1934. He grew up in "Little Italy" living above the family poultry store. He was the son of the late Carmen and Frances Leto. The family moved to Glenolden, PA where he excelled in sports at Glen-Nor High School graduating in 1954.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree at Lock Haven University with a major in social studies and a minor in safety and driver's education.
In his senior year of college he received four significant awards for his football play: Honorable Mention, Little All-American; First Team, All-Pennsylvania State Teacher's Colleges; Third Team, All-Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities; and First Team All-National Association of Interscholastic Athletics.
He took his first teaching job at Dover High School in 1958 serving as an assistant in football for five years and in baseball for three years. He was also head wrestling coach for two years.
In 1961, he coached the Gold Team for the 1961 Delaware High School All-Star Football Game. In 1963, he was the coordinator of safety and driver education for the former Newark School District and has been president of the Delaware Driver Education Association. He has served the Blue Hen Conference as vice-president and twice as president. He has spoken to teacher training classes on "The Role of Advisor Involving Discipline in Schools" and "Drug Use and Discipline in the High School."
He served seven years in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant E-6. He earned a Master's Degree in instruction at the University of Delaware and with additional graduate study he qualified for the secondary school principal certificate from the State of Delaware. He also served as student advisor for seven years and acting assistant principal for one. He was also coordinator of Christiana's early withdrawal program for three years. He was at Glasgow High School for seven years with duties as student advisor and counselor, discipline specialist, athletic director and advisor to the human relations council.
He then became assistant principal at Gauger Middle School in 1986 until he retired in July 1989. Missing the interaction with the students and the teaching staff he joined the Junior Achievement program where he continued his teaching and counseling, and then moved onto Caravel Academy as the athletic director. In 1992 he and his wife Barbara relocated to "slower lower Delaware to enjoy the fishing and beach environment.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara A. Leto; daughter Patricia and William Land of Viola, DE; son Bradley Leto and wife Lauren of Hartly, DE; six grandchildren: Michael L. McGrady and wife Kristina, Jeremy R.. McGrady, Brittany L. Leto, Justin D. Land, Mathew J. Land and Samantha L. Land; and one great-grandchild, Lexi E. McGrady.
His wishes were to be cremated with a Memorial Service to be held on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 3:00 PM at the Manor House Community Center, Sussex East Community, 30769 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), Lewes, DE. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
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