WILLIAM LEON PEARSON (known as "Chip" to family and friends) parted this life for eternity on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

Chip was born on November 8, 1955, in Bronx, NY, the first of two children born to the late William A. Pearson and Barbara Guerrant (nee). Along with his younger sister, he was baptized and confirmed in the traditional Episcopal Church. He attended NYC public schools and was an honor student throughout. Upon graduating high school, he set off for Colgate University to pursue his love of the written word, majoring in English literature. Being a good athlete, he made the varsity football and basketball teams as a freshman. But Chip's pragmatic side caused him to change course, earning instead a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Long Island University.

Having a strong work ethic and a keen attention to detail, Chip always gave his best. He held numerous managerial positions, first with a parking corporation in Philadelphia. That led to becoming a division manager for a private school and charter bus company that serviced three states where he ran operations, and managed collective bargaining and contract bidding. While there, Chip had the distinction of planning and overseeing the transportation for the Newark Archdiocese during the 1995 Papal Mass at Giant Stadium by Pope John Paul II, which went off without a hitch in the pouring rain.

But by far, Chip's most rewarding job was working for the U.S. Census Bureau for the past 15 years, first as a supervisor, then a regional manager. There he made many friends, and was very proud of the important and myriad ways in which The Bureau improved the lives of millions of people nationwide.

Chip had a sharp wit, but was sentimental. He inherited his gregarious nature from his father, along with a passion for his beloved NYC, all things automotive, and the open road, having driven two-cross country trips.

With his mother he shared an innate intellectual curiosity and even an eye for artistic design.

Chip loved jazz, rap and hip-hop, and always knew the best steakhouse in town.

He married later in life, which ended in divorce. Although he never had children, over the years he mentored and guided many through his volunteer work with the Urban League and coaching youth basketball. For the past decade, Chip co-hosted an online radio show, "Man About Town", which enjoyed over 57,000 listeners worldwide, sharing his unique perspective on matters that impact the Black community and our nation as a whole.

The common thread in Chip's life was his cherished relationships with friends, co-workers, and family. He was generous and an encourager. He often said that he measured his own success in life by the success of those he helped along the way. From the recent heart-warming outpouring of appreciation from those who knew him, God truly helped him achieve his goal.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his dear sister, Starr, several cousins, a godchild, and a host of friends.