Samuel Leonis, Jr.

Samuel “Sam” Leonis, Jr., 90, of Hertford, NC, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at The Landings of Albemarle, Hertford, with his loving family by his side.

Mr. Leonis was born in Frankfort, NY on February 14, 1935, and was the son of the late Samuel, Sr. and Evelyn Price Leonis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Eva Tripple, Evelyn Daz, and Marie Isabell Leonis, and by brothers, Frank, Paul, Thomas, Ronald, and Gary Leonis.

A 1954 graduate of Ilion Central High School in Ilion, NY, he was an outstanding athlete in football, baseball, and wrestling. He later served proudly and honorably in the US Navy aboard the USS Norris DDE 859 in Norfolk, VA from 1954-1958. Sam married Carol Letts on August 19, 1961, in the First Methodist Church in Ilion. He retired as a pattern custodian from Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company in 1997. In earlier years he coached Little League baseball and enjoyed playing softball and bowling. Sam was always ready to play a card game, especially rummy. Until recently, he and Carol spent winters in Florida enjoying the sunshine where he played horseshoes, bocce, and golf. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Elk’s Lodge in Ilion and the American Legion in Frankfort.

Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Carol; a daughter, Stacie Leonis Crim (Mark) of Reading, PA; a son, Todd Leonis (Susan) of Elizabeth City, NC; five grandchildren, Leigh-Ann, Eric, Daniel (Kylie), Bryan, and Carissa; a great-grandson, Myles, and a great-grandson due to be born in November; his in-laws, David Letts (Barbara) of Vero Beach, FL, Joyce Letts of Salem, IL, and Peggy Leonis of Frankfort; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or to a charity of one’s choice.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.