Leo F Hannon

Leo Francis Hannon of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2024, in his home, surrounded by family. He lived 97 years by the principles of God, Family, and Country.

Born on June 29, 1926, Leo grew up with his family in Quincy, MA. During the Great Depression, he and his brother took pride in doing odd jobs and proudly placing the money they earned on the kitchen table to support their family. Leo's real-life stories were fascinating, filled with childhood friends who had crazy nicknames like "Poopsie O'Riley" and creative ways of getting into ball games.

Growing up in a strong working family, Leo worked as a plumber's helper for his uncles Ray and Eddie and his toughest boss, his brother Eddie. At the age of 17, with his parents' signatures, he enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II. His photo album from Okinawa is incredible, with every picture meticulously described in his handwriting. He remembered every mate's name and had a story for each one. Leo later reenlisted in the Korean War as a Signalman, First Class on PT boats and LCI vessels. After his service and on the GI Bill, he graduated from Boston College and earned a law degree from Georgetown University.

On his first date with his wife, Marion, at a Senators ball game, he was excited when she asked for his binoculars, thinking she loved the game, only to find out she was looking for her friends in the stands. They fell in love, sharing trust, love, and hilarious stories.

Leo loved working for Naval Intelligence in DC, shaking up the streets of the city. He later moved to New Jersey to work with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), allowing him to spend quality time with his family and be closer to their home state of Massachusetts. During his NLRB years in Philadelphia, he enjoyed building relationships with the longshoremen, which he used for street-level background in future work and writing. His next job brought the family to Delaware, where Leo was offered the position of Chief Counsel of the Labor Law and Executive Security Department. Marion and Leo always put their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as their top priority in every aspect of their lives.

The best times for the family were spent at the beach in Rockport, MA, surrounded by family and friends who were also considered family. These times were highlighted by the fabulous four – Uncle Jack, Freddie, Paul, and Leo – on their golf outings. No one cared who won; it was all about the laughs.

Leo committed to serving his community, as demonstrated by his volunteer work as a CCD teacher, Seamen's Center of Wilmington-driver and board member, Mount Pleasant High School PTA president, Delaware Contact - suicide prevention president, and adjunct Professor at the University of Delaware.

Leo had many interests, including travel, the Red Sox, Bruins, gardening, golf, beach time, drawing – especially portraits of his grandchildren, and book writing. He authored two books, "The Legal Side of Private Security: Working Through the Maze" and "The Lion is a Fox." Above all, he cherished spending quality time with family and friends.

Leo was predeceased by his wife Marion Ryan Hannon, his daughter Elizabeth Hannon, his grandson Craig Barker, his granddaughter Kayce Hannon, his parents Bernard and Elsie Hannon, and his brother Edward Hannon.

He is survived by his loving children James (Debra) Hannon, Patricia (Carl) Barker, and Jane Hannon, as well as his loving grandchildren – known to them as "Da" – Shawn Barker, Erica Grozdanov, Shailagh Barker, Rachel Hannon, Mari Kay Hannon, Patrick Barker, and Jack Hannon; and great grandson Hunter Yerk and great granddaughter, Lydia Grozdanov.  Leo is also survived by sisters Elise (Lee) Leddy, Bernadette (Hank) Murphy and brother, Paul (Janet) Hannon.

A beacon to those around him, Leo will certainly not be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 9:15-10:15 am followed by a funeral mass 10:30 am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE 19807. Officiating the mass will be Fa. Stephen Ryan. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Please consider donating to two of Leo's favorite causes:

- The Hannon Foundation, 111 Eastman St. South Easton, MA 02375

- Seamen's Center of Wilmington DE, 1 Container Rd, Wilmington DE 19801

Arrangements were entrusted to Meyers and Givnish family funeral Homes. www.meyersfh.com