Henry L. Leri
Henry L. Leri, 94 of Buffalo Township passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at his home Saturday.
Henry was born in Freeport on March 16, 1920. He was the son of the late Rose (Corio) and Louis Leri.
Henry was the widower of his wife of 71 years, Olive Jean (Livengood) Leri, who passed away in 2012.
He was a graduate of Freeport High School and a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeport.
Henry was a World War II veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater as U.S. Navy Hardhat UDT underwater demolition and salvage diver.
After returning from the service, he worked with his father-in-law as a bricklayer, then went into business with his brother, Clyde, forming Leri Brothers Masonry. He retired as a vice president of the former Freeport Brick Co. in 1985 after years as plant manager of its Allegheny Brick Division in Creighton.
Henry was a well-known baseball player in the region in the 1940s. He enjoyed golfing, winemaking, caring for his lawn, woodworking and carving, and cooking, especially baking pies. He was an avid fan of the Penguins, Steelers and Pirates. Henry was member of the Elks Leechburg Lodge 377 and a life member of the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Donna J. Myers of Louisville, Ky., John L. (Delene) Leri of Erie, Jeffrey L. (Jeanne) Leri of Allison Park and James G. (Andrea) Leri of Freeport. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Robin A. (Tim) Mann, Michael J. (Lisa) Myers, Dawn M. (David) Haines, Thomas Henry (Yeenee) Leri and Jacob Henry Leri; his four great-grandchildren, Brittany B. Mann, Trevor F. Mann, Mackenzie L. Haines and Colin C. Haines; his sister, Emily Martino of Ocala, Fla.; and his two brothers, Clyde A. Leri of Freeport and Robert G. Leri of Butler.
In addition to his parents and wife, Henry was preceded in death by his brother, Leno Leri, and his two sisters, Vera Mucci and Eleanor Ponsani.
Leri— The family and friends of Henry L. Leri, who passed away Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Redmond Funeral Home, 524 High St., Freeport.Viewing will continue from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Fifth St., Freeport, with the Rev. Jocelyn Johnston officiating. A family burial will be in Freeport Cemetery, Freeport.Mr. Leri's family would like the thank Three Rivers Hospice and the in-home care team from the VA Butler Healthcare for the outstanding care that was given to their father.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Fifth St., Freeport, PA 16229 or to Camp Lutherlyn, P.O. Box 355, Prospect, PA 16052 or to Three Rivers Hospice, 1195 Jacks Run Road, North Versailles, PA 15137.To send a condolence visit, www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com.
