John H. Leach

1933 - 2021

John H. Leach
Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Lightways Hospice in Joliet on December 23, 2021. He was 88 years old.
John was born on December 13, 1933. He was born and raised in Joliet and lived there his entire life. He attended St. Raymond's Grade School and was in the Joliet Township High School Class of 1951. He attended Monmouth College and graduated from Michigan State University in 1955.
After graduating, John worked in the family lumber business, Leach Brothers Lumber and Coal, that his great grandfather started in 1890. After a few years he branched out on his own to start Leach Homes, a land development and homebuilding business.
John met his wife, Cecily, in 1964 and they raised two daughters. They also worked together and enjoyed helping first-time home buyers purchase their new home. They built many homes and subdivisions throughout Will County.
John and Cecily felt strongly about giving back to the community and did so in many ways. They started a nursing scholarship program 30 years ago that evolved into the Leach College of Nursing at the University of St. Francis. John also served on many boards, attended local charity events, and contributed to several community organizations including the Joliet Area History Museum.
John had many interests. He especially loved history, traveling, cars, sailboats and spending time with his family and friends on his screened porch. He wanted to be remembered as a good sailor.
John was a colorful character in many ways. He could often be seen driving around town in a quirky car wearing bright plaid pants, a goofy hat, and carrying a stack of two-dollar bills that he handed out to people because he said it always made them smile. He will be greatly missed.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Cecily, and his brother, David. He is survived his two loving daughters, Susan Leach and Jane Leach (Steven) Winger. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Michael Leach, Janet Leach Anderer, Martha Leach Kloc and Stephen Leach, his cousins, Paul Leach and Julie Savard, and many lifelong friends.
John's family would like to especially thank all of his caregivers whose patience and kindness helped him in countless ways over the past several years.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Leach College of Nursing, the Silver Cross Foundation or Lightways Hospice would be greatly appreciated. Funeral services conducted under the care of Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com