Obituary of Alvin T. Clinkscales

Local Basketball Legend Alvin T. Clinkscales, age 81, of Trumbull, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. He was a devoted husband of 53 years to wife Margaret ("Peggy"), father to Keith (Gia), Norma and Erik, and grandfather to Robel. Born in Bridgeport, CT to Alice Clinkscales and raised by his adoptive parents, William and Mary S. Parsons along with his "uncle" and "aunt" Joseph and Lucille Watkins. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, he attended Central High School and went on to become an All-Star athlete at the University of Bridgeport. Although drafted by the New York Knickerbockers of the NBA, he accepted an offer with the Harlem Globetrotters and played for 2 years. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and played basketball with the Fort Dix team. After his discharge, he moved on to pursue his career in teaching and became the basketball coach at Notre Dame High School of Bridgeport. During this time he also played basketball for the semi-pro team the Milford Chiefs. He continued his focus on education by obtaining a Masters Degree at Southern Connecticut University. An opportunity at Sacred Heart University presented itself and for the next 40 years he mentored and inspired youths to achieve their educational dreams. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by a special sister-in-law, Norma J. Holmes, nephew, Russell, niece, Victoria, great nephew, Jordan and many special family and friends. He is predeceased by brothers Leo, Clarence and Charles. Funeral Information Calling hours will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2013 at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alvin T. Clinkscales Scholarship Fund, c/o Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Ave., Fairfield, CT 06825.