John Patrick Leu

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Coral Gables High School Florida State University

John Leu Obituary

John Patrick Leu John Patrick Leu, 57, passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Tallahassee after a long illness. He is survived by his mother, Leona Leu, and sisters, Mary Li, Gloria Bilyeu and Sharon Leu Moffett, along with four nieces and seven great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Leu, and his older brother, Jerry Leu. Emmy Award-winning sportscaster John Leu was born in Miami on Dec. 25, 1950. John Leu "JL" was a member of the 1967 Coral Gables High School national championship football team. The 1967 Coral Gables Cavaliers were named Team of the Century by the FHSAA in December 2007. He moved to Tallahassee in 1970 to attend Florida State University and stayed for the next 38 years. While working on his broadcast communications degree at FSU, JL got his first job at WFSU-TV and WTVJ (Miami). After graduating, he was hired to direct Florida Public Broadcasting's "Today in the Legislature" and "Florida Report" programs, which were broadcast statewide. His talent for directing unscripted live events soon led to a career in sports television. JL crisscrossed the nation, and occasionally the world, working as a contract producer, director, cameraman and stage manager for ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC and the Sunshine Network (among many others) over the course of nearly 40 years. He received two Emmy Awards for his camera work. During his career, he worked four Olympics in Seoul, Calgary, Los Angeles and Atlanta. JL also directed numerous entertainment events from the FSU Homecoming PowWow to MTV Live beach parties. He directed many live election-night political events and was technical director during coverage of the Democratic National convention in New York. JL's greatest pleasure, however, was working sports events at his beloved alma matter. He was a die-hard Seminoles fan. Even as his health was failing, JL rarely missed a game-day broadcast at FSU. He is fondly remembered for his humor and sharp wit and for his loyalty to friends and co-workers. Above all were his love and devotion to his family. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. EST Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2200 N.Meridian Road, Tallahassee, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for an engraved brick on the "Legacy Walk" at Doak Campbell Stadium. Please make checks to Gloria Bilyeu, P.O. Box 128, Melbourne, FL 32902-0128. Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home (850-562-1518) is handling arrangements.

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Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Feb. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Leu

9 Entries

Bib Willis

February 12, 2020

I still tell stories about some of his irreverent and hilarious comments on the override.

Janet Barbour

March 7, 2008

To Gloria, Mary, and Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. I knew that John had not been in the best health, but he was way too young to loose. Then your Mom! What a wonderful lady. She looms so very large in my memory. She was always so gracious and loving and caring--always warmly greeting me whenever I returned to visit at First Presby of CG. You were so furtunate to come from such a great family. Remembering Jerry, too.
Love, Janet

Brian Abrams

March 2, 2008

John and I were best friends for years, losing touch after college. But I thought of him often with a smile. He gave me some of the best memories of my life and I will cherish his friendship forever.

Chesley V. Morton

February 26, 2008

John and I owned a house together, down on Yaeger Street, during the three years we both worked at Florida Public Broadcasting (Today in the Legislature). It was a small shotgun-style house. When you added the third roommate, and the girlfriends, and other friends who would come over and stay until 2:00am...we were all stuffed into that house like a family of hamsters. Those were some of the happiest days of my life. John was a great friend, right up until the end. I will miss him.

Jim Legel

February 21, 2008

I loved John ... he was a great person. Everytime I think of him, I can't help but smile and feel good. I worked with John many times doing FSU sports, the Florida Lottery, and other productions at WFSU. I will miss you my friend! I will always remember your humor and kindness.

Claude Pichard

February 19, 2008

Through the years, whenever I thought of John I always smiled. I think that says it all.

Bib Willis

February 19, 2008

I worked with John everyday for three years on Today in the Legislature. I loved his fabulously wicked sense of humor, his unfailing good temper, his tirelessness when we were on the air or editing for hours and hours and his unquestionable ability. And he was just as funny every time I saw him since. I wish I could remember what he called ESPN that was such a clever way of saying how much he liked working there. He was one of a kind.

Mark Zannoni

February 18, 2008

JL,
You helped many and were a great friend to lots of us. You were brilliant and innovative.
You kept it real before there was "keeping it real". We all will miss you and your special friendship, until we see you in a much better place.
Aloha.

John Alford

February 18, 2008

A pioneer in freelance television in our area. From the raucous days of "Please don't throw the color TV's in the swimming pool" at hotel check-in. He showed us a way to make a living in the sports freelance world. Hope he got the upgrade home!

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