Niantic - Leon Hugh Calanquin, beloved husband of Anne (Sullivan) Calanquin, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the age of 67. He was born on October 8, 1949, in New London, the son of Leon V. and Virginia (Lena) Calanquin, and the grandson of Leon J. and Mary Calanquin, and Dr. and Mrs. Hugh F. Leon Sr. Leon was a graduate of St. Bernard High School and Culver-Stockton University is Canton, Missouri. He worked briefly as a professional actor and spent the rest of his career as an auditor and accountant. He retired from the Office of The Secretary of the State in 2006. He was active in the Wethersfield Lions for many years. Leon's favorite activity was theater. He was a founding member of The Eugene O'Neil Theater Center in Waterford, and spent many happy days and evenings attending plays and concerts. If heaven has a theater, Leon is there. We shall miss him for his love for and knowledge of theater, his gregarious personality and his love of a good party. Among his survivors are Anne, his wife of nearly thirty-six years, nieces and nephews, and many cousins whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, his grandparents, and his brother Kevin F. Calanquin. Per Leon's wishes there will be no formal funeral service. There will be a memorial service at a date to be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Eugene O'Neil Theater Center, or a charity of the donor's choice. And be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home.

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Published by Hartford Courant from Jun. 24 to Jun. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Calanquin

Sponsored by the family.

12 Entries

Richard F. Denno

November 13, 2023

My late wife, Midge, and I met the Calanquins in the mid-70's. We became good friends and I miss him dearly. I only wish I could have laid my hands on the plaster cast (full-body) that he did for one of the plays he was involved with.
Anne, you are often in my thoughts.
Richard F. Denno

Ron Floit

January 18, 2018

So sorry to hear of Leon's passing this past summer. He roomed with John Tucci at Culver-Stockton College his sophomore year which is where I met him. He came back to the room late one evening after a "night out" and knocked over a jar of honey (I think). In the morning the place was covered with ants. From then he was known as "Antman". That was the only name I really ever knew him by or referred to him. He was always upbeat, friendly and fun to be around... nice qualities. We played a lot of cards together, hearts and pinochle, in his room and the lounge in Shannon Hall. Ant came to stay with my wife, Mary, and me at our home in Sycamore, Illinois at least once while he was on business in the 70's or early 80's. Mary also liked him very much. I remember all the theatre posters in his room and am not surprised that his love for those things remained with him all his life. My sincere condolences to you, Anne. May God bless you and fill the void left by Leon's absence.

Kate Hayden

July 30, 2017

Dear Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is a theater in heaven, and he is there, I am sure my parents are enjoying the show with him. I have many fond memories of Leon and I know my parents enjoyed spending time with the two of you. He will be missed very much.

July 25, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Anne and the family. Please inform his friends at the Secretary of the State when a memorial planned.
Blanche Reeves-Tucker

Leslie Celmer Woz

July 23, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Leon's family. I went to high school with Leon and have many good memories of our times with friends. God bless you during this difficult time.

Jacqueline Martin

July 22, 2017

Sending my Condolences to the Family I just found out. So Sorry. I use to work with Leon at the Secretary of the State Office.

June 29, 2017

Leon was a good friend at Culver-Stockton, He was exuberant and sweet with a zest for life and pronounced love of theater, so I especially glad from what I read here that he was able to keep his hand in things throughout his life.

I am saddened to hear of his passing but can look back joyfully on many memories.

Walter Biederer
Phoenix, AZ.

June 29, 2017

I would like to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of Leon. We spent 4 wonderful years at St. Bernard's High and enjoyed being in many classes together. We also had a love for theater, as he was a willing victim to my Mother's teaching him and others to dance in "Annie" and "Oklahoma". My prayers are with you at this time.
Kathy Kennedy Umland

June 28, 2017

So very sorry to hear of Leon's passing. We were part of a small group of friends at SBHS, and have many great memories. He will be in my prayers.

Carol Hayes Rogovin

June 25, 2017

I have fond memories of Leon from St Joseph's School and St Bernard's High. He was so friendly and always so kind. My deepest condolences. May you all have some peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Anita Hochstein

June 25, 2017

Please accept my deepest sympathies on Leon's passing.I knew Leon well in 1960's New London, growing up on Glenwood Ave., not far from his family home, and at St. Bernard's. Our Moms were friends too. I recall his gentle nature and of course his intense interest in the theatre. He will be missed.

Louise Loiselle

June 25, 2017

Anne, you know how fond I was of Leon. He was part of our wonderful GNB family. He had a big heart and accepted everyone. It was a lucky day when Leon met you. You were ideal companions with the same interests and love of life. So glad you had these happy years together. Leon will be missed by his family members and many friends. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We're all here for you. It's going to be very quiet without him around!

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