Obituary of Charles Leon

LEON - Charles J, of Rockville Centre, NY, son of Charles and Mercedes, passed away on Tuesday January 7,2020 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of 49 years to Carla Leon (nee Vogel). Loving father of Lee (Jennifer), Carole Laverty, Kevin (Patricia) and Shawn (Kathleen). Dear grandfather of Keith, Christopher, Kaitlyn (Scott ) Patrick, Kristen, Kevin, Samantha, Carolyn, Lauren, Sean Eddie, Madeline and James. Also survived by loving nephews Michael, Mark,Eric and nieces. Charles did not define family as only by blood, he was a second father to Abboud and Solange and a grandfather to Metri and Lindsay, and a brother to Ashley and Lori. His influences were felt by many, including the friends of his children who looked upon him as a 2nd father. He was the consummate patriarch and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was born November 6,1940 in New York City and was the oldest of 3. After graduating from The Brooklyn High School of Music and Art, He enlisted and served his country with distinction in the United States Air Forcein the Cmbat Control Teams. Upon leaving the military he soon found employment at Grand Iron Works on the last rivet gang in New York. Always the student he learned all facets of steel fabrication and construction, as well as the operation and repair of all the equipment, ultimately even building and repairing cranes other equipment. After moving to Long Island he eventually joined Local 30 of the operating engineers and was a working member for (Approx) 35 years. During this time he founded a company that dealt in power generation, refuse and hospital waste incineration, specializing in the adherence to environmental regulations. Charles enjoyed travel and many adventurous activities such as skiing and scuba but he was most passionate about sailing. A wake will be held at Towers Funeral Home in Oceanside NY on Friday January 10 from 2 pm - 4 pm and from 7pm - 9pm to be followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers a donation to either of the following, the Lustgarten Foundation, or St.Judes Children’s Hospital in his memory would be greatly appreciated.