Victor R. Leon

Victor R. Leon, 80, 356 Wight Drive, passed away March 4, 2024 at Hospice of Jefferson County at the Ellis Farm surrounded by his family.

Victor R. Leon was born November 6, 1943 in New Rochelle, NY a son of Victor E. and Ruth M. Markey Leon. Moving here in 1957 he graduated from Watertown High School in 1962. In 1966 he graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and Driver Education. He accomplished thirty hours of graduate work. Immediately following graduation, Vic played with the St. Louis Cardinals in Florida. He returned to Watertown and taught at South Jefferson Central School, LaFargeville Central, General Brown Central and was a Driver Education teacher during the summer at several school districts in Jefferson County.

On August 28, 1965 he married Frances M. (Chic) Surace at St. Anthony’s Church with Monsignor Dennis Lynch officiating. The couple enjoyed wintering in Florida. Mr. Leon retired in 2008 from General Brown High School where he was a Driver Education teacher for ten years. For twenty years Mr. Leon worked with his father and brothers, Kerry and Ken at the JR Miller Company. In 1971 he opened a store in Ogdensburg and operated that store for a number of years. He purchased the company with his brother Ken. After a short time, he sold his interest to his brother and returned to teaching.

Mr. Leon was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and volunteered for the Mount Carmel Feast. He was a member of the New York State United Teachers Association, Watertown Racquet Club and the Watertown Golf Club, where he and his son Victor won a Member Guest Tournament. He was a former member of Ives Hills Country Club and a former Vice President of the Watertown Hockey Association. He scheduled games for the house teams and traveling teams for both girls and boys. Mr. Leon coached football, basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball at South Jefferson Central, LaFargeville Central and Immaculate Heart Central. He also coached AAU Boys Basketball teams. Mr. Leon initiated and chaired the first IHC Memorial Golf Tournament. He enjoyed golf, bicycling, tennis and caring for his lawn. In 1961 he was the New York State Table Tennis Champion. His favorite past times were following his children’s sports activities and attending all his grandchildren’s games both as athletes and coaches.

Surviving besides his wife are a son and daughter; Victor M. Leon, Glens Falls, NY, Nicole M. Fusilli and her husband Kevin J. Caldwell, Watertown, two grandchildren, M. Jude and Jake V. Fusilli, two brothers and their wives, John K. “Kerry” and Louise, Sacramento, CA., and Donald D. and Leslie, Home Sound, FL, a sister-in-law Catherine Leon, Franklin, MA, several nieces and nephews. A brother Kenneth D. Leon died before him.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral mass will be held at 11 am Friday at St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 123 So. Massey Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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