Leo Charles Hearn Jr

LEO CHARLES HEARN JR.
Leo Charles Hearn Jr. passed away on Monday, December 25th 2023.
Leo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Elizabeth and Leo Hearn Sr. He was a talented baseball player, playing shortstop for Lebanon Valley in his early college years. He left Philly and traveled to Durham, North Carolina to earn his Masters in Forestry at Duke University. This is where he would meet several lifelong friends, lead various baseball teams to victory, fall in love with Duke basketball, and even moreso with his future wife, Anita.
Leo and Anita were married in 1985 at Duke Chapel. By 1994 they were living the beach life in Florida with their two children, Sarah, Leo, and a rottweiler named Duke. It's here that Leo started his career in the Health and Safety industry. Although he retired early from Northrop Grumman as Corporate H&S Manager to take care of Anita when she was diagnosed with cancer, he stayed active in the field up until the time he passed away. Over Leo's 30-plus years as a health and safety manager, he became one of the most well-respected names in northeast Florida. He became the Corporate Health and Safety Manager at a national consulting company providing services across the country before choosing to stay local, accepting his position at Northrop Grumman. He was President of the North Florida Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers from 1997-2000, and President of the Northeast Florida Safety Council from 2014-2016. In 2012 he was awarded the Quality is Personal Award from Northrop Grumman, and in 2015 he was awarded Safety Professional of the Year from the American Society of Safety Engineers (just to name a few).
Leo was an early bird with an unbelievable work ethic. You could always depend on him for help, advice, or to be the loudest fan in the stands. His knowledge of plants was incredibly impressive and evident in the beautiful garden designs that surround his home. If you were lucky enough to be around when the right song came on, you would also see his hidden talent for dancing and playing a mean air guitar.
Leo was promoted from Dad to "Papa" when his grandson Graham was born in 2021. Some of their favorite activities together were making forts, working in the garden, and playing with his new puppy, Coach. Papa always brightened Graham's day with silly sounds and lots of singing. Papa was one of Graham's favorite people.
Leo had an integrity that is rare and a character that will be missed by anyone who knew him. He is survived by his daughter Sarah Kennedy (Patrick), his son Leo Hearn (Roxanne), and his grandson Graham Kennedy. His Life Celebration will be held at the Neptune House at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach on Saturday, January 13th at 9 a.m.-11 a.m., followed by a reception at Sarah's house from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friends, family and little ones are all welcome.