Robert Clifton Tucker passed away on May 2, 2019.
Robert was born on January 8, 1938 to the late George and Lucia Tucker. At age three he and his family moved from Abbeville, SC to New Haven, CT where he attended public schools, and graduated from Hillhouse High School. After completing the Marine Corps service, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Connecticut University, a M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Ph.D. in Organization psychology from the Union University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Early in his career Tucker served as founder and Coordinator of the Consumer Action unit of the Community Progress, Inc. Later he became an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale and Director of training of the Training and Consultation Division at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. He left Yale in 1981 to become Assistant Vice President for Organization and management development at the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET). He left SNET to enter private practice full time as President of Tucker Associates, a training and consulting firm. His former clients include Pepsi Cola, Chase Manhattan Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Connecticut, Morehouse College, City of Detroit, Kemper Insurance, Hampton University, U. S. Department of Defense, and others.
Tucker was very involved in community affairs and served on boards of the New Haven Redevelopment Agency, Community Progress Inc. and The Albie Booth Boy’s Club. He was the founding member of the New Haven chapter of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE), and served as a member NAACP’s Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Ashanti Club.
He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Leota Tucker; his brother, Fred; his two daughter, Karen Saltos and Renee Bahre; his stepson, Ronald Williams; his grandsons, Ronald Williams 3rd, Aaron Vidro, Kevin and Michael Murphy.
He was predeceased by his sister, Annie Washington; and by two brothers, James Tucker and George Tucker.
Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at the St. Paul St. James Episcopal Church, 57 Olive Street, New Haven, 06511 at 11:00 a.m.
Got to have time with Bob at various times of my life but especially remember our sailing adventures and time working together on race relations
Great friend and mentor
My prayers and support to Leota and family
Jack
A Light Glows in memory of “Cliff” a class mate and friend (Hillhouse Class of 55). Thinking of you Leota, and sending love to the family.
Jackie & George Bracey
My prayers and care to you and your family. Peace.
To my dear Soror Leota, and family, May your shared memories of your husband, brother, father , grandfather and friend Robert, bring smiles to dry your tears, and a sense of peace and thanksgiving for the many shared celebrations you had together!
Deepest Sympathy,
Verniece Hall-Santos
A while ago, I saw that Cliff (as we knew him) had died. I wrote a comment in the guest book at the New Haven Register, and I just happened to look and noticed it is not there. You may have seen it, but if not, I want to send you our condolences.
I knew Cliff since 1962; we wee in CORE together. After my marriage and our move from New Haven, we kept in touch for many years with several visits. We so clearly remember Cliff driving into our back yard in Birmingham during the seven years we were there. But I remember especially how kind you both were to our son David when he was at Yale. I loved that he got to meet you and be with you.
I am so so sorry that we did not keep up during these last years. I wish we had.
But Cliff was important in our lives in lots of ways, and I hope your memories of him bring you joy.
Our best to you,
Barbara and Tom Greenspon