LEONARD CREO Obituary

CREO--Leonard E. (1923-2019) beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by family following a brief illness on December 18, 2019 in Ross-on-Wye, United Kingdom. He is survived by wife Gillian, daughters Claudia Creo, Francesca Creo (Ronald L. Pettiway), Cristina Creo (Forest Flanigan), Clare Creo (Lilian Damour), Annie Creo (Graeme Anderton), and Karen Hilton (Simon Hilton); grandchildren Andrea Creo Towle, Chelsea Creo Sharon, Danielle A. Pettiway, Juliette Damour, Christopher Damour, Harry Creo Hilton, and Kate Taylor Hilton; and great-grandchildren Ekijah Creo Christianson, Vayla Creo Paquet, and Catalina Creo Jacobs, as well as many other relatives and loved ones. Creo was born in New York in 1923. He studied at the Art Students League in New York. He served in the U.S. army during World War II and was severely injured, receiving citations for his bravery including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart. Creo was an accomplished and critically acclaimed painter, sculptor, muralist, and graphic printer, whose work was regularly exhibited in galleries around the world including Rome, London, New York, Montreal, and Los Angeles throughout his long career. He spent his early years in Mexico City and in Florence and Rome, developing his skills and learning from many of the most recognized artists of his time, including David Alfaro Siquieros and Pietro Annigoni. During those years, his distinctive style developed and his talent was increasingly recognized. Later in his life, he moved to Ross-on-Wye and continued painting, sculpting, and creating every day. His works are in museums and homes throughout the world, bringing great joy to those who own and see them. He was a formidable athlete, starting race walking at the age of 60 and competing in grueling endurance events that earned him many world records in his age group. Throughout his life, and up to his very last days, he continued to master new skills, explore new ideas and create new theories about life, people and the world. Memorial services were held in early January in Ross- on-Wye. Creo's thoughts on life, aging and art can be seen in this documentary about him from 2012. https://vimeo.com/59849515

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for LEONARD CREO

4 Entries

Brooke Hartrum

January 27, 2021

I learned who Mr. Creo was when I was just 14 years old, stumbling across a chest in an old barn in New Jersey, full of old letters, mementos and uniforms. I was fortunate enough to be able to connect with him and return all of the items, speak with him through email and over the phone and maintain periodic communication throughout the years. It may seem very small...but he has had a huge impact on my life and I think about him often. I am so very sorry to the Creo family. I feel blessed to have known him in even a small way.

Mary Nelson

August 26, 2020

I obtained 3 beautiful Paintings from my friend Elizabeth. Her parents we’re friends with Mr. Creo. I’ve enjoyed his work for many years. So sorry to here of his passing.

Susan Casmier

April 12, 2020

I am so sad to learn today that Leonard passed away in December. I hoped he would go on walking and painting forever. I wish all his family and friends peace and love and sendvirtual hugs

Martin and Beth Margulies

January 19, 2020

Dear Gillian,

I do not know whether you will remember us. We visited you once in the early 1980s, and then we -- with our two small boys -- were your overnight guests in the early 1990s. My parents, Max and Mae Margulies -- long deceased -- had been friends and customers of Leonard's, as were their own close friends, Hillel and Esther Tenenbaum. That was how we established the connection.

I lack words to tell you how much we enjoyed the time we spent with you and how much we admired Leonard and his paintings. Please know that no fewer than six of them are displayed, proudly and prominently, in our living room. We sent Leonard photos of them, hanging in close proximity to one another: he called the display our "Creo Wall."

Our boys, now grown, join us in extending our deepest condolences on the passing of this remarkable and gifted man.

Sincerely,

Martin and Beth Margulies