Leon W. VanDeusen, Jr., age 96, of Hernando, FL passed away June 4, 2024, at Superior Residence in Lecanto, FL, Leon was born on February 20, 1928, to Leon W and Cornelia (Barringer) VanDeusen in Canandaigua, NY.
As a young man he attended Manlius Military Academy, served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, and he attended Leicester Junior College earning a degree in business.
Leon married his Love and Lifelong Partner, Jean A Metzger on August 20, 1950. Leon and Jean were blessed with three children, daughter, Fern (John) Loomis, sons, Leon W. (Irene) Van Deusen, and Kirk (Marian) Van Deusen; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Leon’s career began with Purina Feeds, then he jumped into the Life Insurance industry with John Handcock, rising to Regional General Agent in Albany, NY. Leon then became the first Advisor to the On-the-Job Training Program for the NY State Department of Labor. Thereafter, he followed his dream of owning his own business, establishing Van Deusen’s Fuel in Wallkill, NY.
As a competitive Golfer, Leon had several “Hole in Ones” and won club championships. He was an enthusiastic Sailor all his life, winning Western NY State Snipe Regattas. Later they retired to Key West to sail the Gulf waters and the Bahamas. Leon also lived in Cape Coral, High Springs, Gainesville and finally Lecanto, FL during his 45 years of retirement.
In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his brothers, Hiram, John-Pietersen; sisters, Jane, Cornellia and Susan.
Services were held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Brown Funeral Home in Lecanto, Florida. Burial will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Wednesday June 26, 2024, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Salvation Army is encouraged.