George A. (Lanny) Leon, Jr.
Born November 12, 1942
George A. (Lanny) Leon, Jr., age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2017 after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He served proudly in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. George was employed as a fireman in the City of Wilmington, DE, and later owned and operated his own business, Leon’s Inc., Custom Interiors.
George was a lifetime member of the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company where he held several offices, including two terms as Fire Chief. George and another member of Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company were the very first recipients of the Delaware Volunteer Fireman’s Association Heroic Fireman of the Year award in 1968, and both were later inducted into the Delaware Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame. He belonged to, and was a very active member of, the New Castle Rotary club for many years.
George was a member of Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post #30, American Legion, Unity Lodge #32, AF & AM of Newport, DE, Brandywine Valley Scottish Rite and Nur Temple, AAONMS. He was a member of the Legion of Honor Veterans Unit within Nur Temple (Nur Shrine) and served as Commander in 1984. He was also a member and past Director of Delaware Court #164, Royal Order of Jesters.
George was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He was retired and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing in a pool league, many different card games, traveling and pleasure cruises. He also loved dancing with his wife.
He is survived by his loving wife Gloria Leon, sister Catharine Lloyd, brother William Leon, two daughters, Gwen Leon and Caryn Jochen (Ed), son Kenneth Buchanan (Kate), step-daughters Louise Hyatt (Dan) and Theresa Haas (David), step-sons Joseph Smith, Jr. and Jeffrey Smith (Shelli), grandchildren Crystle & Kayla Jochen, Emma, Will, & Charlie Buchanan, step-grandchildren Ryan & Sam Haas, Natalie, Lindsay & Daniel Hyatt, Emily, Julia & Jeffrey Smith, and Trish Catts. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Thomas Montgomery, father-in-law William Crystle, and sister-in-law Cindy Crystle.
George took great pride in and loved his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews dearly. He was preceded in death by his former wife Kathryn Crystle Leon, his father George A. Leon, Sr., his mother Catharine Jane (Hemping) Leon, his sister Jacqueline Montgomery, and his step-grandson Bret Joseph Smith.
George had a smile that would light up the room, a wonderful sense of humor, a devotion to family and friends, and he volunteered so much of his time over the years to help others in many different ways. He made the world a much better place, and his memory will be cherished always by so many.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening, August 29, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a Masonic service will begin at 7:30 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday morning, August 30, 2017, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 406 Main St., Odessa, DE. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Development Office, 3551 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 or to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.
Rev Clayton W. and Sandra Hewes
Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family during this time of loss. Know he is resting in his Father’s Heavenly House. He has been relieved of all pain and illness. Knowing this, may help you keep the fond memories that were made together over the years . May the Lord be with you, give you strength and support as you travel this journey. Amen
David H. Lee/Yvonne Craig
George, May you rest in peace and enter into Gods Loving Arms. You will be missed by many.
Fran Donnelly
My condolences to the family and extended family of Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company. He wouldn’t have met a nicer guy.
Tom Montgomery
Hey Lanny, goodbye my friend. Tom
Randy Roberts
Rest in peace Chief.
Curt Cole
George Leon was a very special guy, he always had a smile, would help anyone anytime. He stepped up on many occasions, once when he was the Director of ROJ 164, he relinquished his position and had our long time Impresario become Director for the day, George then resumed his position thus creating a Director in Bill McCreary. Quiet thoughtful!!!
George will be missed, RIP good and faithful servant, enter now into the house of the Lord.
Tina McNett
Thoughts and prayers to the Leon family.
Sam
I love you so much George
Nancy Beausang Meade
My condolences and sincere sympathy go out to the entire family. May Lanny RIP.
Dave Cochran
My world is shrinking way too quickly. First Pete, and now Lanny. From our first meeting in 1947, to the last time we talked we shared many great times on and off the fireground. I will always treasure those wonderful times together. Having had to move to Texas in 1975, the times became less frequent, but I have always thought back on those times and sharing our chosen volunteer fire fighting lives and the lessons we learned. Rest in Peace my friend, and we will all get together in the great Fire Station above.
Forever,
Dave Cochran
Dave Carpenter Jr and Family
Condolences for the entire Leon family. From one Fire Service family to another, it’s always tough to lose the strong ones.
Carol and Joe Narcum
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of George, and to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our sincere condolences,
Carol and Joe Narcum
Jodi Fried
Condolences to the entire Leon Family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom Carney, P.P. and Jodi Fried
Denise Lejuez
Dear Gwen and Family – So sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time!! Keep him in your heart always because he will always be with you!!
Mike & Barbara Theiss
Dear Gloria & Family,
Our condolences on your loss of George.
He was a great guy & terrific Pool Team Buddy.
George had a wonderful sense of humor that lit up a room and made every smile.
We will remember him in our prayers.
Mike & Barbara Theiss
Donna Burnette
I extend my deepest condolence and sympathy to the family. I have known George for over 34 years when he was still active with the Wilmington Manor Fire Company and had a business close by the department. My prayers are you during this time.
Sincerely,
Donna Burnette
WMVFCO 28
Robert Reynolds Jr.
Rest in peace Lanny, you were an inspiration to many and an incredible man.
Frank & Johna-Lee Ingraham
Gloria & family,
So sorry for your loss, you were blessed to have found each other and to have (although short) time together. You made some beautiful memories that will carry you through the tough times. May God give you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Sincere Condolences, Frank & Johna
Michael Donahue
My condolence to the Leon family. Many thoughts and Prayers for your loss .
Chief George Leon. REST IN PEACE
Roberta Marcinak
This is a beautiful memorial created for a dear, sweet wonderful man; loved and respected by his family and many friends. Rest in peace.