Leonard Lee Boas

Leonard Lee Boas, 95, of Titusville, Florida, and formerly of Cold Brook, NY, peacefully passed away on August 20, 2024. He died just a week after turning 95, where he was surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by children Melanie (Gary) Van Pelt, Martin Boas, Leslie (Jeff) Hobin and Tracey (David) Sosa, grandchildren Karen (Chad) Stallings, Naomi (Nathan) Sunshine-Todd, Kyle (Lydia) VanPelt, Sofia Sosa and Isabella Hobin, as well as several great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, his wife, Theresa Boas, and son, Jonathan (Cathy) Boas.

Born August 14, 1929, to Leonard E and Louise Boas, Leonard grew up in the greater Rochester, NY area and had many adventures on the family farm. He always had a mischievous sense of humor and would regale his family with tales of the pranks he and his siblings would play on one another. Following high school, Leonard enlisted in the US Navy then later transferred to the US Air Force where he served out the remainder of his service as an air traffic controller until he medically retired in 1968 after 20 years of service. He shared many stories of his time in the military with his family, telling stories of setting off firecrackers under his neighbor's window after they had worked the night shift, the meaning behind the "good luck" pig and rooster tattoos on his legs, and of pals like Norbert who got into a scuffle with a taco truck!

Following Leonard's medical retirement, he volunteered for many years at the American Legion Post 1118 in Cold Brook, NY, including serving as the Post Commander. Leonard was also an advocate for people with developmental disabilities like his son, Martin, and served on the Board of Directors for Herkimer ARC, assisted with hosting the first ever Special Olympics events in Cold Brook, NY, and also served on the statewide board for Special Olympics.

After his wife Theresa retired in 1988, they relocated to Titusville, Florida and enjoyed many years in the sun together. Leonard loved travelling and enjoyed travelling extensively in his retirement. During his lifetime, he was able to set his feet on all seven continents. Leonard would also often help out with Melanie's travel agency, Cruise Fun-Addicts, escorting bus tours and cruises. He even bungee jumped off a bridge in New Zealand to commemorate his 75th birthday! He was a history buff and almost impossible to beat at any history-based trivia game. He also enjoyed golf, playing bridge and pinochle, and cooking.

Leonard will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at the family's convenience.