Leo A. Lesmerises, Jr.

Leo A. Lesmerises, Jr., 78, of Palmyra, died Wednesday, February 28, 2018 after a life well-lived.

He was the loyal husband of Kay Lesmerises for 46 years, the dedicated father of Doug and Monica, and the loving grandfather of Kyra, Daria, Julian and Audrey.

Born on Dec. 8, 1939, in Manchester, N.H., he proudly served as the big brother to his sisters Mary, Judith, Cecilia and Irene. He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Leo Sr. and Pauline, and his sister Mary, who we know are glad to be with him now.

He served in the United States Air Force for 12 years and met Kay on Karamursel Air Force Base in Turkey. Married during their time at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, they moved to Palmyra in 1974 and raised their family there. Leo served in the Army National Guard and worked at Fort Indiantown Gap for 24 years.

But enough about work.

Leo did everything for his kids, from Girl Scout meetings to Little League games. He was the oldest boogie boarder at the beach. He always wondered where that fire truck was headed. He took his kids to the library, and then listened to Phillies games on the radio on the back porch. He read multiple newspapers every day. He loved sports, first the Red Sox and Celtics, later the Phillies, and his son became a sports writer. His daughter worked on elections and around politics and he evolved into a political junkie. When he became a Pop-Pop, he pushed strollers around the block and flew kites. He was gentle. Everyone thought he was nice – his in-laws, his nieces and nephews, and his friends at the high school games he attended long after his kids graduated.

He is survived by his wife, Kay (Dostich); his son Doug (Katie) of Westerville, Ohio; his daughter Monica (John Leibovitz) of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren; three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Buse Funeral Home, 145 North Grant Street, Palmyra on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donate in his name to the Palmyra Public Library, PO Box 114, Palmyra, PA 17078.

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