WORCESTER-Francis J. Leazes, Sr. of Worcester died July 14 in St. Vincent Hospital after a long illness. Mr. Leazes was the son of Constantinos and Mary (Gill) Leazes. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Mary Madeline (Fell) Leazes and his son, Professor Francis J. “Chip” Leazes, Jr. of Providence, RI. Mr. Leazes also leaves a daughter-in-law Audrey J. and two grandchildren, Dylan Francis and Abbie Jane Leazes. He was the brother of the deceased Gus, Marie and Carol Ann Leazes.
He was a life long resident of Worcester and was a member of St. John’s Parish, Temple Street. He was a WW II veteran who served in Europe. He was a D-Day Veteran landing on Utah Beach June 6, 1944 and was in the 463rd AA Battalion attached to the79th Infantry Division. He received a number of medals and decorations for his service between 1942 and 1945 including awards for the American Campaign and Belgium Campaign, and a citation for five major battles including the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and the Foret de Paroy. He also received the Croix de Guerre.
He worked for Sawyer’s Lumber before the War and acquired a life long love of carpentry and cabinet making. After the War he was a car salesman for Veino Chevrolet and then became the Owner and President of F.J. Leazes Company Securities incorporated followed by nearly twenty years as President of Cim-Val, U.S.A. Corporation.
He was a graduate of St. John’s High School, Class of 1941 and later attended New England Conservatory of Music and Clark University. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Alhambra Council #88 and was a founding member of the Pope John XXIII Council. He was a former member of Ascension Parish and served as Parish Representative for over a decade at that parish. He was a first tenor for the Cathedral Scola Choir during the 1950’s and into the 1960’s.
Mr. Leazes was active in local musical theater for many years playing roles in such productions as The Chocolate Soldier and Oliver.
“Franny” leaves many loving nieces and nephews and a sister in law, marguerite (Fell) Sarson of North Andover and James M. Fell of Worcester. He was a lifelong fixture in his neighborhood for 59 years and leaves many devoted friends and neighbors.
Franny’s Funeral will be Tuesday, July 17 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Church, 40 Temple St. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Monday, July 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a Charity of One’s Choice. For directions or online guest book please visit www.callahanfay.com.