John Clothier Leverage

John Clothier Leverage, Sr., returned to captaining his adored boat on Saturday May 10, 2025, after bravely battling a long illness. He left this world precisely as he lived his life, without giving up and leaving it all on the field.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Leverage, and their two children, JC Leverage, (Lora) and Kristin Leverage (Scott). He is also survived by his sister, Lamonte Tepper, daughter Marcel Mellein (Michael), and special cousins Nate Tepper (Dee), Gloria Elliott (Keith), and special friend of the family, Phoebe; grandchildren James Christopher, Cade, Tatum, Logan, as well as Remington John and Liberty Anne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Nathaniel Leverage, mother-in-law Marie Passwaters, daughter Rene Ward, and brother-in-law Lloyd Tepper.
John was a remarkable athlete. While in high school, he was a 4-year varsity athlete in four sports. He took his talents to the University of Delaware, where he was a scholarship athlete, playing quarterback for the Blue Hens. Bilateral knee injuries and surgeries ended his playing career at Delaware, but he went on to play sports again at Washington College in Chestertown, MD. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in History and Spanish. John enjoyed teaching, coaching many baseball and basketball teams, and working construction throughout Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia before settling into his career as an agent with State Farm Insurance, from where he retired after 40 years.
The only thing John loved more than fishing and hunting was taking care of those closest to him. He was well known in his community for helping others, whether it was snow blowing driveways for his neighbors while well into his 80's or taking produce and cookies to those who couldn't get out of the house anymore. John also enjoyed having his early-morning breakfasts and catch-up sessions every day with his cherished lifelong friends. As great of a husband and dad as he was, his favorite role was "Poppy." Nothing brought him more joy than watching a baseball game or soccer match, making a custom rod for family, tying up a lure to help a little one learn to fish, or taking family and friends out on his boat. He could build or fix anything and he had every tool ever invented, but only he knew where they were all located. John would disappear into his garage to tinker with whatever broken item his family gave him and would emerge with a grin on his face and the problem solved. When asked how he fixed it, he would always respond with "I can't tell you because then you won't need me anymore", though nothing could be further from the truth. The family will spend the rest of their days missing their Poppy, wishing he were still here.
"Tight lines forever and we know you are watching over your loved ones from the sea."
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in memory of John Leverage to Coastal Hospice at CoastalHospice.org or Assateague Alliance Organization at assateagueislandalliance.org No public services are planned. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.