paul m. leeson
Paul Mortimer (Pete) Leeson, 79, of Weirton, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2005 at the Weirton Medical Center. Pete was born March 13, 1926 in Ravenswood, WV, son of Marguerite and Walter E. Leeson. He graduated from Weir High in 1943 and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the submarine U.S.S. Brill in the Pacific Theater. He saw significant combat activity throughout the war. Following his service discharge, he attended and graduated from Bethany College. In 1949, he married Gelma Pealer and they remained happily married until her death in 2002. He worked for National and Weirton Steel until his retirement as Cold Mill Superintendent Strip Steel in 1979. A life-long resident of Weirton, Pete was an active member of a variety of social and community service organizations; especially St. Joseph the Worker Church, which he helped build in 1960 and the Knights of Columbus 3734 where he served at every level, including Grand Knight. He was also a member of the K of C Fourth Degree Assembly, Evert Maki American Legion Post 10, V.F.W. 2716 and the Weirton Steel 25-Year Club. He also received a number of volunteer service awards. He is survived and will be deeply missed by a loving family: son, Dr. Mark and daughter-in-law Pam Leeson of Akron, OH; grandchildren Jenny Leeson of Brooklyn, NY and Chris Leeson of Chicago, IL; sister Lynne Martin of Weirton; nieces Hymandria (Mandy) Martin and Ann (Nau) Nestor of Ravenswood, WV and nephews John and Francis Liberto of Pittsburgh, PA. His gentle and loving spirit will be missed by everyone who knew him and the world is a better place for his time here. May he rest in eternal peace. Calling hours will be held 2-4 and 7-9PM Friday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary 7 PM Friday, in the funeral home. Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly will stand Honor Guard from 7-9 PM. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Stephen Dube presiding. Entombment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton where military services will be conducted. Contributions in Pete’s memory may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062. Share tributes and memories with his family at www.grecohertnick.com Funeral Home: Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV US 26062

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  1. This message is for Mark. I lived on California Avenue for the first eight years of my life. I adored your mom and dad. Here are my most vivid memories. Your mom used to let me rummage through your basement and play with all of your toys. My favorites, and the ones that stick in my memory, were the soft rubber bugs that you seemed to have boxes and boxes of! I can still smell the petroleum scent of the black, brown, and green insects. They were the best! My favorite memory of your dad was very visceral. He used to give me bologna all the time, rolled up in a tube. For the first few years of my life, I remembered his name as “Meat,” rather than Pete. Very odd, but very vivid. Mark, I loved your parents as neighbors. I live in a wonderful urban neighborhood in Denver now, with two kids of my own. I love the fact that my block feels a lot like ours did in Weirton. We know our neighbors and our kids all play together. Your parents had a lot to do with forming my archetypes of growing up. Take care, and best of luck. Mike

  2. Mark, and Lynn Martin, Sorry to hear of your loss. He truly was a leader not only for Weirton Steel but also the city of Weirton. I am sure alot of Weirton will miss him as will you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Jerry Hamill

  3. Dr. Leeson, I was sorry to read of your father’s death. I am sure he was very proud of you and your family. Kay Lain, Coordinator, Cancer Registry, Akron General Medical Center

  4. My sympathy to the family of Pete. He was a shipmate of mine on the USS Brill. I am a native West Virginian also. The Leeson family are remembered in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

  5. Mark, Pam and family, I am so sorry to here about Pete’s passing. I just found out and would really like to make a donation to any charity you feel he would have wanted. Please give me a call(727)360-4438 or e-mail me. He will be missed by all he touched with his love, wisdom, humor and just down right goodness. Love, Kathy and Johna


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