By the Family
Harold Powell, who served as principal and in other leadership positions at Cincinnati Public Schools and schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died July 26, 2021. He was 93.
Mr. Powell was the son of the late William Powell, Sr. and Aggie Mae Grigsby Powell. He was born on February 02, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
As a youngster, he attended Stowe School and the old Woodward High School in the Cincinnati Public Schools system. Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army and after receiving an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Central State University, where he met his wife Arlevia Smith Powell. They were married and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Additionally, he was initiated in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. From his union with Arlevia, one child was born, Kenneth Ellis Powell.
Mr. Powell was employed with the United States Postal Service and Lexington Public Schools following his college years and, later, Cincinnati Public Schools. During his span with Cincinnati Public Schools, he served as an administrator and principal of Sawyer Junior High, Cutter Junior High, Samuel Ach Junior High and Aiken High schools. He also earned a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati during his years of professional service and retired from CPS as the Director of Special Education. He later came out of retirement to work for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as the principal of St. Agnus and St. Joseph schools.
Throughout his life, Mr. Powell was an active member of Revelation Baptist, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Clements and St. Charles Borromeo churches. He deeply loved his family and worked hard to provide a stable environment conducive for appreciable outcomes, family members said.
In addition to spending quality time with his family, Mr. Powell was an avid golfer and also enjoyed bowling and listening to Jazz music. He was a member of the Sportsmen’s Golf Club, Newport Monday Golfers and the Cincinnati Masters Bowling Team. Being well versed in music, he played the trumpet in several Jazz bands and performed at the Kool Jazz festivals backing several prominent artists.
He also served on many boards in his profession and within the community including: Hamilton County Retired Teachers’ Association, Hamilton County 169 Board, Special Olympics, Community Guidance Council, Youth Opportunities United (YOU), Catholic Inner-city Schools Education (CISE), St. Clements Parish Council, Talbert House, Citizens Community on Youth (CCY) and Greater Cincinnati Golfers.
He enjoyed and looked forward to annual family Christmas cruises and international travel.
Preceding him in death was his younger brother William Powell, Jr. and sister Juanita Harper.
He is survived by his wife Arlevia; one child, Kenneth E. Powell, Sr.; one grandson, Kenneth E. Powell Jr; one sister, Marian (Arthur) Moore of Cincinnati; one sister-in-law, Johnnie (William) Powell along with other family members, colleagues, former students and friends.
A memorial service and Mass will be private at a later date.
Contributions may be made to Harold Powell Memorial Scholarship Fund, 10675 Perry Highway, P.O. Box 191, Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090