Samuel Lecce

Samuel J. Lecce, 82, of Exeter Township, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2011 in Wyomissing Nursing and Rehab Center, Reading, where he had been a patient for 2 weeks.

Born in Hazleton, PA, he was the son of the late Angelo Lecce and Lucy (Piccino) Lecce.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn M. Lecce, on October 3, 2011.

He attended Reading High School and started his career as a master leather craftsman at the Curtis and Jones Boot and Shoe Company, where he met his wife, Carolyn.

He was supervisor of the cutting room at Letisse Handbags, Inc., for 30+ years, retiring in 1987; thereafter, he worked at Garden State Tanning, Inc. for 5 years, retiring in 1993.

He was a skilled leather craftsman and continued to make leather goods in his home during his retirement, including handbags, belts, wallets, and vests. An avid bowler with the senior league at Bowl-O-Rama, Exeter Township, he also made bowling shoe sliders.

He loved people and he had strong family values. He tended his loved ones during hospital and nursing home stays and tended the family cemetery plots. He cooked for and fed his wife, Carolyn, every day during her 4-1/2 year stay at ManorCare Health Services, Muhlenberg Township, until his illness prevented him from doing so, when he had to rely on others to provide him transportation. A life long dream of his was fulfilled when he reconnected with his family in Italy in 1994 and kept in contact with them until his death. He was very proud of the years he spent in the Army Reserves.

Samuel is survived by his son, Dr. Michael D., husband of Catherine Lecce, Covington, LA; and his daughter, Nancy L. (Lecce), wife of Dr. John M. Sellers, of Exeter Township; along with 4 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter, in addition to step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by brothers, Morris and Leonard, and sisters, Nancy (Lecce) Palladino and A. Rose (Lecce) Johnson.

Services from Bean Funeral Home, North 16th & Rockland Streets, Hampden Heights, will be Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Monsignor William T. Baker officiating. Entombment in Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Thursday 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605 in memory of Mr. Samuel J. Lecce. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.