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Peter Leasca Obituary

Peter G. Leasca, 91

Worcester - Peter G. Leasca, 91, of Worcester died Wednesday, February 15th in St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Despina J. (Rougas) Leasca; two sons, George P. Leasca and his wife, Martha of West Brookfield and John P. Leasca of Worcester; two daughters, Karen G. Gogos of West Brookfield and Joanne M. Bilzerian and her husband, Alexander of Holden; a sister, Marguerita Karpenski of Putnam, CT; 10 grandchildren, Pierce, Evan and Catie Leasca, Christina Pare, Kayla Ramey, Peter and Stephen Gogos, Alexander, Peter and Maria Bilzerian; two great grandchildren, Evan and Cole Pare and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Leasca and a sister, Anthina Sylvester.

He was born in Thompson, CT the son of George and Speranta (Petrescu) Leasca and graduated from Bryant College and earned a management certificate from WPI. Peter worked as a financial advisor for 41 years; a Vice President, retiring 10 years ago, from Morgan Stanley, where his legacy continues today in Wealth Management as The Leasca Group, which was founded 52 years ago. Also, he was the President/Founder of the Worcester Stockbrokers Association for over 30 years which often hosted local public companies to speak. Mr. Leasca was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, its Order of AHEPA where he was a member for 65 years, and chaired its veteran's committee. Peter was an adjunct Professor at Worcester State University, QCC and Becker College where he taught Investments. He was a pioneer in 1991 on Greater Media Cable local TV#3 Stockwatch Report as its first nightly stockmarket reporter. Peter was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Melha Shrine Center, Springfield. Mr. Leasca was instrumental in the bringing one of the original Landing Ship Tanks from Greece back to the United States where it now serves as a floating museum in Indiana. This became a documentary on the History Channel called Hero Ships.

Peter was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II. He was proud of his service and was active with the City of Worcester Veteran's Services and was active with the World War II dedication. He led many parades in the city. The Worcester Armed Services Committee awarded Peter with the highest civilian honor as the Veteran of the Year in conjunction with the ROTC Program in a formal ceremony last May at the College of the Holy Cross.

His funeral is Monday, February 20th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a service at NOON in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, February 19th from 3:00 until 6:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, c/o Endowment Fund, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

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Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Leasca

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Antonia and Costas Perdikakis

February 26, 2017

Peter was the best! We have so many found memories he was always there with the video camera way back then taking those precious moments we are devastated that we did not know of his passing until today always a gentleman may his memory be eternal our condolences to everyone

Howard Rouse

February 21, 2017

So sorry that I didn't get the word of Peter's passing until today. He was the finest of men making him the best president to lead the Amphibious Veterans of Mass. I did not see him often enough but the meetings in Worcester at Festival time were the best. I know his service was aboard an LST, the big brother to my little LCT, (the ones that rode on top of the larger ship to the battle area and launched. We are all ageing rapidly and I am slightly behind this great guy by a few months but we served in a great unit, Seventh Fleet Amphibious Forces with pride. I pray you smooth seas and fair winds on your Journey, Peter (You have been loved and are still being loved).

Irene Logan

February 20, 2017

Our sympathies on the passing of Mr. Leasca -- A true gentleman with a smile and conversation for all.
May his memory be eternal.

Clyde and Irene (Koumanelis)Logan

Nick Kotsopoulos

February 19, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the entire Leasca family. Peter was a great person, a gentleman and a true American patriot. I thank him for his service to our country. His contributions to the community were many, but he was always most humble about what he did. It was never about him, but rather about others. I consider myself most fortunate and lucky to have known him.

Marilyn Drapos

February 18, 2017

To the Leasca Family I send my sincerest sympathy . Sorry I can't be there to express my sympathy. Peter lived a long great life, May his memory be eternal.

Jesse Ritz

February 18, 2017

I knew Peter from the annual Friendship dinner. He was a fine man and a true gentleman. I am sure he will be truely missed. So sorry for your loss, Jesse Ritz

Ruth Stilu Bates

February 17, 2017

To the entire Leasca Family: I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you as I remember your husband, dad, & brother,
Our families were so close together in the days of Putnam, CT. We lived in a small community and our houses were back to back. My brothers, Demitri & Triani Stilu (now decdeased) were all in school together, and probably joined the Armed Services around the same time in 1944. Pete accomplished so many worthy causes in his lifetime. You should all be so very proud of him. Blessings to all. Ruth Stilu Bates, Bonita Springs, FL

Kiritsy

February 17, 2017

Peter will stay in our memories as a steadfast steward of the Greatest Generation. His tireless advocacy for World War II Veterans as well as those who serve and sacrifice for our country shall ever be monumental. His friendship with my dad will forever be cherished. Our hearts are sad as we will miss his warm smile and authentic generosity. We will remain forever grateful for his example. Our prayers and thoughts you George and your entire family. His memory shall remain eternal. Bill, Sylvia, Helena Zoe and Joshua

Jerry Gibbs

February 17, 2017

To the Leasca family, I have such fond memories of this most warm and genuine man! His legacy at Newswatch 3 where I was anchor will always shine brightly with me as our first stock reporter. I know his humble and kind personality traits will carry on in his children and grandchildren. What an incredible life and man!

Sincerely, Jerry and Susanne Gibbs

Bob and Denise Hobin

February 17, 2017

To the Leasca family, So sorry for your loss.May you find comfort in the many memories you shared.You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marianne (Gatzogiannis) and Barry Bellemare

February 17, 2017

To the Leasca Family,

Mr. Leasca was a man with an everlasting smile and a friendly greeting for all. He always asked about everyone in my family spanning several generations and how they were doing. This is a testament to the type of caring person he was. He loved the Lord and it reflected in all he did as he served and did his duty for our great country, his beautiful family, his Church, and his community. It was an honor to know him, and a pleasure to attend school with this children.

A special memory comes to mind for me when I was at the church community center waiting to pick up my daughter from Greek school in the early '90's. I observed Mr. Leasca single-handedly setting up 25 tables for a dinner as he didn't want to ask for help from his committee members being it a workday. I offered to help him. In the hundreds of times I saw him at church after that day, he never went without thanking me for my offer to help. It always made me feel special that an elder of our community would take the time to remember the simplest things in life. He truly was a kind man.

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times as you celebrate a life well lived. May his memory be eternal.

6-16-13 Leasca family celebration in CT

niece, Melanie Smith

February 17, 2017

February 17, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of your loss of such a wonderful man. We will always cherish the wonderful History lessons he has shared with us over the years. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Dino and Cindy Vakas

A Grateful American

February 17, 2017

Though our grateful nation mourns with you in your loss, we can only feel a small part of the loss you are experiencing.

Your loved one will always be a part of our country's story. As such, their sacrifice on behalf of our nation will always be honored.

In deepest sympathy.

Timothy Hoffman

February 17, 2017

Thank you for serving our country. May your family find comfort in their faith and may you Rest in Peace.

Dr. & Mrs. Timothy C. Hoffman

Mary Ann Franco

February 17, 2017

Dear Joanne and family,

We were sad to hear about the death of your dear father this past week . I met your father on several occasions and he was such a warm, and engaging person who truly loved his family. I will always remember how supportive he was of Paul when he ran for office. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.

Love, Mary Ann and Paul Franco and family

Eileen (Royal 50's Club) Lessard

February 17, 2017

R.I.P Peter,
Your love and dedication to Veterans knew no bounds. You were instrumental in getting the World War II Veteran's Memorial behind City Hall built. I know that 99 years from now when they open the World War II time capsule the wonderful person you were will be brought to light again for all of your future decedents and the world to recognized just how special a person you were. The world is a colder place without you in it. I shall miss and will think of you often. I am so lucky to have know you. My heartfelt condolences go out to Despina and your beautiful family.
Until we meet again,
Eileen

Christian and Mr. Leasca in front of the veterans memorial they built at St. Spyridon

Christian Alexandrou

February 16, 2017

I was blessed to have Mr. Leasca as a mentor in my life. We attended St. Spyridon together and that's when I witnessed his devout patriotism and commitment to veterans. This inspired me to build a veterans memorial for my Eagle Scout service project in 2012, and we worked together over the course of a year get it built. The memorial is located in front of St. Spyridon in Worcester, and there even is a brick with Mr. Leasca's name and service information on it. My heart aches of this news, and I pray and pray and pray for God to hold him close to His heart in a life without suffering in heaven. Thank you, Mr. Leasca, for showing me how to care, love, and help others at all times. You will be in my heart and memory for my entire life.

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

Cindy Wilder

February 16, 2017

George, Joanne and all. I'm so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of working with and for Peter over the years. My condolences to all the family. What a sad loss for everyone.

Ed & Carol Morocco

February 16, 2017

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O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home Inc

592 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603

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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral

102 Russell Street, MA

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592 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603

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