NEW BEDFORD...Leo J. Elias, 79, of Westport died Monday October 6,2003 at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home after a lengthy illness.
He was the husband of Leopoldine (Eberl) Elias and son of the late Deeband Rose (Abdelnoor) Elias. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshireand had been a resident of Westport since 1967.
He was formerly employedby Bristol Community College as the first dean of students until hisretirement in May of 1981. His main goals during his tenure at B.C.C. wereto give the students a view of what college is all about and to give guidancealong the way. His philosophy was that community college doors are opento all students, whether or not their academic acheivements and capabilitieslie in the direction of those students accepted into four-year colleges. Hewas a dedicated eduacator to all of his students. Mr. Elias received his B.A.degree from the University of New Hampshire majoring in history andpolitical science and his master's degree in special education from NewarkState College.
In addition to his wife he is survived by 2 sons: John A.Elias of Rehoboth and David S. Elias of Roslindale, MA; 1 brother:Abraham Elias of Branchville, NJ; 1 sister: Lenda Persiko of Carbondale,CO; mother-in-law: Leopoldine Eberl; 4 grandchildren; 1 niece; 3 nephews.
Services will beprivate.