Leon A. Hale

GREENFIELD - Leon Albert Hale, 79, a resident of the Millhouse Apartments, 75B Wells Street, passed on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, after having been taken ill earlier in the day. A native of Hinsdale, NH, he was born on December 31, 1936 to Ralph and Catherine (Cormie) Hale. He moved with his family at the young age of 3, to Greenfield, MA, where he attended local public schools and was a graduate of Greenfield High School. He enlisted in the USN on October 21, 1954 and served honorably aboard the USS Neptune, ARC2 during the Korean War and was discharged on October 30, 1957 with a rate of Seaman. Upon his return to civilian life, he worked for the former J. H. Smith Company, later for the former WESCO Electric Co., and lastly for the Greenfield Paper Box Co., retiring in 2014.
Leon was a former member of the American Legion and VFW for several years. He was a life member of the Moose Lodge # 987 of Greenfield, MA, where he held several elected positions within the club including past Governor. He also bartended at the club for several years. He was an associate member of the St. Stanislaus Society, as well as the St. Kazimierz's Society in Turners Falls, MA, where he was the reigning champion of the shuffleboard competition for many years. A sports enthusiast, he was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees, the NE Patriots and of Duke University Men's basketball. He enjoyed following collegiate basketball and each year was caught up in the NCAA ""March Madness."" Competitive in nature, he enjoyed playing a spirited game of horseshoes and ""corn hole.""
He loved to sing and at one time, was a member of a barbershop quartet. He was a fan of the television game show Jeopardy. He was a collector of Hess toy trucks, recently bestowing his collection upon his son James. Leon enjoyed being outdoors, and could be found mowing his children's lawns and painting around their homes. He will be remembered for his generous and loving nature, as well as his sense of humor. Leon treasured his regular Saturday morning visits to his daughter Joanne and her husband Bill, whom he considered ""his buddy.""
Leon is lovingly remembered with great affection by his children: Joanne S. Whiteman and her husband Bill, of Greenfield, MA; James Leon Hale and his wife Lori, of Northfield, MA and Elizabeth C. ""Betsy"" Sicard of Turners Falls, MA. Additionally he leaves his adoring grandchildren: Ryan Behan, Katy Behan, Nicole Grover, Jessica Benoni, Courtney Benoni, Tyler Sicard, Caitlin Hale and Kimberly Hale, as well as his great grandchildren: Clara Behan, Harper Grover, Gabriel Benoni and Lilly Williams.
Leon is also remembered with affection by his siblings: Margaret and Bill Cowan of Montague, MA, Louise Spondra of FL, Linda Charest of Warwick, MA, Edward and Delores Hale of Guilford, VT, Robert and Jackie Hale, of Greenfield, MA and David and Jane Hale of Conway, MA, as well as several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews including in a special way, his nephew John Hale who was his ""side kick"". Leon also leaves his loving and devoted fiancé, Loretta M. ""Tootie"" Johnson of Greenfield, MA, as well as his first spouse, Elizabeth C. Bedaw of Greenfield, MA, and his second spouse Paula Moore of Hinsdale, NH and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as by his brothers Fred, Charles and Alan.
Services in celebration of Leon's life, will be observed on THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 with graveside services and inurnment to take place at the CENTER CEMETERY, BERNARDSTON, MA at 11 AM. Rev. David Neil, Pastor, of the United Church of Bernardston will officiate. Military honors will be conducted with members of the United States Navy in attendance from Groton, CT, assisted by the Hale-Clapp VFW Post #3295 of South Deerfield, MA who will provide a firing detail. A gathering will follow the services at the St. Kazimierz's Society, 197 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. Expressions of affection in the form of a charitable contribution in Leon's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers, to the charity of the donor's choice. The McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA have been entrusted with the arrangements. Guest book and condolence message available at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com