Leon A Gearin, a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and overall great guy, passed away on Wednesday, August 18 at the age of 93. A lifelong Methuenite, Leon was born on October 22, 1927, the middle child of seven to Charlotte Mae Thomas and Nicholas Austin Gearin. His family, and growing up during the Great Depression,instilled in him the qualities of perseverance and grit that he carried throughout his life.
Leon attended Methuen public schools, including the Edward F Searles High School. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Army Airforce. He was trained in airplane maintenance and at the end of World War II was sent to Germany as part of Operation Vittles, earning the World War II Victory Medal, the Medal for Humane Action, and the Army of Occupation Medal.
Upon returning home from his service, Leon spent time roaming New England, working from the tobacco fields of Connecticut to the potato farms of Aroostook County Maine. He would return to Methuen where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth L Lennon. They married in 1964 and went on to raise their three children. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage before Liz’s passing in 1997.
Leon worked for Earnshaw Plumbing and then Ippolito’s Furniture, from where he retired in the 1990s. Leon enjoyed traveling with Liz and his siblings during the early years of his retirement. His later years were spent spoiling his 8 grandchildren, losing money with his Keno friends, and spending time with his family. Leon was also a past member of the Arnold Greenwood VFW Post 8349, where he enjoyed many a night sharing a beer and a game of 45’s with friends. Leon was also an avid candlepin bowler, and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing with his son-in-law and friends in leagues at Academy Lanes.
In addition to his parents, Austie and Lottie, and wife, Liz, Leon was predeceased by his six siblings and their spouses: Barbara Loeschen and her husband Bill, Edward Warren Gearin and his wife Olga Kazusky, Shirley Desharnais and her husband Paul, Robert T Gearin and his wife Josephine Cordts, Donna Hebert and her husband Ted, and James L Gearin. Leon was also predeceased by his sister-in-law, Anne J Lennon and her husband Hugh D McQueen.
Leon is survived by his three children and eight grandchildren. Son, Glen A Gearin, of Salisbury, and his wife Maryanne Hargreaves and their children, Justine and Audra; Son, Gary Gearin, of Andover, and his wife Christina Raymond and their children, Lennon and Monica; Daughter, Lee Ann Gearin Axford, of Haverhill, and her husband John and their children, CJ, Sammy, Will and Ellie. Leon is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to calling hours on Monday, August 23. 2021,
from 4:00PM – 6:30PM. A service will follow at 6:30PM at the funeral home with Military Honors.
Burial will be private.
For directions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com
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