Leo Sandel, 100, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, passed away on December 30, 2025.
Leo was born on June 13, 1925, to Louis Jacob and Esther (Stein) Sandel. After graduating from high school, he entered the United States military.
Leo proudly served with the U.S. Army’s 42nd Infantry Division, known as the “Rainbow Infantry,” and was deployed to France and Germany. On April 29, units of the 42nd Division helped liberate approximately 30,000 inmates at the Dachau concentration camp. In recognition of his brave and dedicated service, Leo was awarded several medals. True to the Rainbow Infantry’s motto, “Never Forget!”, Leo’s courage and service will always be remembered.
After returning home from the war, Leo met and married the love of his life, Marion. Together, they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and devotion.
Affectionately known as “Lucky Leo,” he was a humble, gentle, and kind-hearted man. He was deeply devoted to his family and was known for his love of music and for sharing stories from his long and remarkable life.
Leo was predeceased by his sister, Francis Sidman, and his brothers, Irving Sandel and George Sandel. He is survived by his devoted nieces, Ilsa Sandel and Stacy Sidman, as well as many extended family members and friends who will remember him with the same love and joy he so freely gave to others.
Services will be held at the Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Sunday, January 4 at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation, an organization dedicated to commemorating the deeds, sacrifices, and traditions of the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division or the American Cancer Society in memory of his beloved wife Marion Sandel.