Joseph J. Leo

            Joseph J. Leo, of Perkasie, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.  He was 77.

            He is survived by Barbara Geiger Leo, the love of his life and his wife of nearly fifty years.  The couple had celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary on July 22, 2016.

            Born in Scranton, PA, on September 28, 1939, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Sebilia) Leo.  A 1957 graduate of Scranton Central High School, he attained his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1961 and his Master’s Degree in Science in 1968, both from the University of Scranton.

            Joe retired from teaching middle school science following a 30-year tenure in the Centennial School District, Warminster, PA.  At Centennial, he also coached girls’ track and field and taught in the evening GED program.  Earlier in his career, he ran the Franklin Institute’s “Science-on-the-Go” program and for several years prior, he taught science at Scranton Central High School.

            A life-long car enthusiast, Joe enjoyed the camaraderie developed over many years of part-time work at Harris Brothers car dealerships.  He found great joy in long, meandering car trips and loved exploring new places.

            In recent years, Joe treasured time spent with his grandchildren.  He especially loved cooking for his family and his wonderful meals will be missed.

            Joe was an active member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hilltown, PA, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 9736.  While raising his children, he volunteered with the Pennridge Little League and the local Boy Scout Troop No. 51.

            Surviving with his wife are three children and four grandchildren, Mark J. Leo and his wife Joyce and their children, Gianna and Anderson, of Dallas, PA; Lisa L. Malloy and her husband Kevin and their daughter Lila Jo, of Belmont, CA; and Kristin L. Swanson and her husband Michael and their son Gus, of Atlanta, GA.  He also leaves behind his extended family and many loved ones. 

            Joe was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Theresa Jo, and his sister, Virginia Leo Sirotnak.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 100 Broad Street, Hilltown, PA, where family and friends may call from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.  Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, PA.

            In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Joseph J. Leo to the Scholarship Fund at the University of Scranton, P. O. Box 1385, Scranton, PA  18501, or online at scranton.edu/makeagift.

            Arrangements are by the Bernard Suess Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie.