Stanley Leon

Stanley Leon, 83, of Hendersonville, died peacefully after a short illness on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. He was born in the Bronx, NY on June 19, 1926 to the late Emanuel and Frances Glazer Leon. He spent his childhood in northern New Jersey and graduated in a class of 8 from a 1-room school in Mt. Freedom, NJ. During WWII, Stan served proudly in the Navy. He went on to earn an Associates degree from Newark College of Engineering in 1947; a BA in Journalism from the University of Miami in 1952 and his Masters in Education from the University of Vermont in 1973. He also attended Newark State Teachers’ College, Central Michigan University, the University of Virginia, as well as Norwich University. Stanley married Joanne Hoag in 1954. He worked for twelve years as a newspaper reporter/photographer in NJ and as a 6th grade teacher in Wharton, NJ. He went on to serve as a Public Information Officer (G.S. 12) in the United States Army, Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ. He and his family later moved to Randolph, VT. He taught English, journalism and technical writing at Vermont Technical College, where he later retired after 15 years in 1981. While in VT, he was an active member of the Board of Education as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge #28. Stan had an active retirement, living and working in Inverness, FL, Klamath Falls, OR and San Diego, CA. He moved to Asheville, NC in 1989 and enjoyed working as a tour guide at the Biltmore House and for Young Convention Services for 5 years. He also volunteered for the Literacy Council, which he found very rewarding. Stan was a passionate gardener, loved photography, crossword puzzles and warm, sunny days. An avid reader, he had a strong network of friends, some who have been with him for over 50 wonderful years. He was part of a weekly breakfast ritual with a delightful group of professional retirees, which he looked forward to and enjoyed very much. He is survived by his wife, Joanne and four daughters, Patricia Leon, a nurse in Phoenix, AZ, Nancy Leon, a teacher in Burlington, VT, Elizabeth Webb, a guidance counselor in Orlando, FL and her husband, Greg and Dorothy Dears, a sign language interpreter in Missoula, MT and her husband, Larry; one sister, Joan Rich of Hollywood, FL as well as three grandchildren, Michael and Stephanie Webb and Lauren Dears. Those who knew him where enriched by his wisdom, sense of humor and practicality. He will be missed by many. At Stanley’s request, no services will be held, however, memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731