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Henry Leak Obituary

Leak, Henry III
SARASOTA, Fla. - Colonel Henry "Butch" Leak III, born February 13, 1947, in Washington, D.C., passed away on October 15, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was the beloved husband of Saleika for 51 years; proud father of Shayla Bridges (William); and adoring grandfather of Wes.
A Vietnam veteran and U.S. Army Colonel, Henry served his country for over three decades, earning the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other honors. After his military career, he worked as an accountant and auditor for KPMG and the New York State Public Service Commission.
An active member of Macedonia Baptist Church and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Henry was known for his integrity, intellect, and kindness. He loved reading, travel, golf, and time spent with family. His life of service, faith, and love leaves an enduring legacy.
Funeral services will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church on Friday, November 7, at 9:30 a.m., with burial at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union from Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Linda Jolley

November 7, 2025

My husband and I met Butch after he´d been married to my cousin Saleika for many years. By then both of us owned recreational vehicles. Our paths crossed on the road while visiting relatives in Virginia and on the road. I am so glad hubby and I got to met him. May he rest in Glory.

Washington Hill, MD

November 7, 2025

I first met Hank at the Health-Fit gym in Sarasota, Florida. He stood out to me because he was really fit and had an Army hat on. We struck up a conversation and then I also found out that he was new in the area and a Boule brother. We knew each other for far to short a period of time. May his family be comforted during this period by fond memories and his accomplishments. We know his passing is instant meeting with our Lord. May Hank rest in peace with our heavenly father, until we see him again..

Morris A. Washington, Shirley Jackson

November 7, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. We will always carry in our hearts the times, although not enough, that we got to spend with you both. Thinking of, and praying for, you, Hank and your family, today and always.

CSM WILLIAM MORNING

November 6, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John and Ruth Thomas

November 6, 2025

Hank was bigger than life! He made a wonderful impression on everyone he met. He was a kind and a thought provoking man. He shared wonderful conversations and his witty humor gave us so much laughter. He loved his family dearly and was proud of each of them. He is greatly loved and missed!

Bill and Christine Van dyne

November 5, 2025

Our deepest sympathy go out to Suleika and Shayla for this terrible, unexpected loss. We always found Henry to be a wonderful neighbor and friend and will miss our long talks and walks around the neighborhood with him.

David & Jeanne La Voie

November 5, 2025

Henry, you will be forever missed. Rest in peace soldier.

Rick and Cathy Manhey

November 5, 2025

Cathy and I lived two houses from the Leak family for 15 years. Henry was a wonderful man who accomplished much during his life. He was a true perfectionist and whatever undertaking (maintaining his lawn, staining his deck or cleaning his motorcycle) it was done impeccably! We met often around the neighborhood and he always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. We moved from the neighborhood in 2009 and hadn´t seen Henry since then but thought of him often! Our deepest sympathy to Saleika and Shayla.

Margaret Donohue

November 4, 2025

I'm so sorry! I worked with him for many years. He was a good man.

Jeffrey Kline

November 4, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I'm sadden to learn of Hank's passing. I got to know to Hank while working at Department of Public Service. He was a kind and thoughtful man.

Bill Collins

November 4, 2025

Hank was my tennis buddy but so much more as a wonderful human being. Our singles matches were always competitive and fun. The real joy of spending time with Hank was the conversation before we started hitting and the locker room chats afterward. He had a quiet intensity as a man and always knew what was really important; his faith, his family, and his country. We frequently chatted about getting together with our wives but, sadly, it never happened. When Hank talked about Saleika, Shayla, or little Wes, his eyes lit up with that very intense love and pride. We communicated too infrequently over the past several years but it was always uplifting when we did. Knowing Hank and seeing/feeling the kind of man, husband, father, and grandfather he was and soldier he had been made me a better person. My deepest sympathies to you - his family and close friends.

Betsy Katz

November 4, 2025

My deepest sympathies to Hank´s family. Hank was such a kind and smart person, and I greatly enjoyed working with him. And when Hank spoke of his family, he glowed, nothing made him happier.

Calvin Kendig

November 4, 2025

Hank was a regular at the the gym (Health Fit) and was always a pleasure to see! He always seemed so upbeat and managed to put a smile on my face every day! I can't count all the times he came up with a witty comment or response that made me laugh! He will always be remembered and I will sorely miss him as a friend!! We love you Hank!!!

Susie & Jim Reeks

November 4, 2025

Susie and I were sad to hear about Henry´s passing. We missed you all when we moved out of Hunters Run. Please accept our condolences.
Susie & Jim

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Nov

7

Funeral service

9:30 a.m.

Macedonia Baptist Church

FL

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