Leo Bruce Ramer

Leo was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 7, 1927 to Leo and Christine Ramer. He is survived by his loving daughters, Susan Boyer and Karen Stefan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Lindsley of Roswell, GA and Michael Stefan of New York, NY, and his great-granddaughters, Kate, Lauren, and Julia Lindsley. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Beverly, as well as his first wife, Mary Jo and his second wife, Darline.

Leo attended the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After serving two years in the Navy, he completed his degree and began his career in business at General Electric in Oakland, California. Work eventually took him to New York City and later, Rockville, MD where he eventually retired as a Vice President of Finance after 39 years.

As a boy growing up in land-locked Nebraska, Leo loved to read books about explorers, sailors, and adventures at sea - especially ones by Joshua Slocum and Joseph Conrad. After losing his first wife, Mary Jo, to cancer, Leo bought a sailboat and began the next chapter of his life at the helm of his Cabo Rico 34, Tradewind. He learned how to sail single-handedly on Pickwick Lake in Tennessee and then began a 3-year solo circumnavigation. He diligently kept records of his adventures through log books, photographs and letters home, and loved having family visit him in remote parts of the world.

After returning home, Leo met his second wife, Darline, and continued to see the world by sailboat and later through cruising. He was intellectually curious and read widely on philosophy, astronomy and physics. Leo enjoyed deep conversation and lively debate. While he pursued a wide range of endeavors, it was his gentle spirit and deep love of family that will be remembered most.

A celebration of Leo's life will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.