As we begin 2023, Dr. Joseph Michael Jerome Leon will start the New Year in heaven with God, our creator, for he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Welland County General Hospital. He was 92 years old.
He is survived by his beloved wife Laurice of 65 years; eight cherished children: Jolene, Joseph II, Tara (Harry), Leslie, David (Julie Anne), Brock (Maria), Marnie and Torin (Amanda); 26 precious grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Abigail, Trevor, Madeline, Bridget, Justin, Mary Frances, Marten (Sarah), Alina (Alex), Brendan (Jacqueline), Anthony, Emily (Ricky), Kurtis, Nolan, Brodie, Keegan, Sadie, Ethan, Olivia, Kyla, Corey, Megan, Nathan, Evan and Christian; one great-grandson: Rhett; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Dr. Leon was a native of Welland, Ont., born and raised, attending Notre Dame High School, graduating with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1951 and a medical doctorate from the University of Ottawa, in June 1956. His internship was completed at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital, Detroit, Mich., from June 1956 to July 1957. He was a resident in internal medicine over the next three years at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital and did a final year at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He completed the required training for the specialty of internal medicine. Dr. Leon joined the medical staff at the Welland County General Hospital in 1961. In 1962, he was granted full privileges as an active consultant in the department of medicine as a certified specialist in internal medicine by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada with a fellowship in the college following.
As a member of the medical staff, Dr. Leon served on a number of committees including the Credentials Medical Records Riverside Annex, and as chief of the department of medicine. He was also a medical director of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, Welland Branch, and responsible to the board of trustees for supervising the medical, surgical and obstetrical care given to all medical patients. Dr. Leon established the nuclear medicine department in 1968 and served as its director for many years. He was a devout member of St. Kevin's parish, St. Andrew the Apostle Church, and a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
Born into a large family himself, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and he did so wholeheartedly, in his fun-loving way and always with a smile. His generosity of spirit extended to his greater family and friends who always felt welcomed and loved. As a note of community interest, Dr. Leon was the last surviving member of the family that founded the Leon's Furniture company in Welland in 1909. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Welland Hospital Auxiliary Dialysis Centre would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories can be shared at the H.L. Cudney Funeral Home.