Leon LaMonica

Leon L. LaMonica 68 passed away on December 26 2005 after a period of declining health. Leon was born on June 25 1937 in Akron. He attended Grace Elementary School St. Vincent High School and graduated from Hower Vocational School in 1955. Lee was retired from the city of Akron Water Department with 30 years of service. Until his death he was employed as a van driver by the Akron Public Schools where he was affectionately known as 'Mr. Lee'. Lee was very well known in the community as a singer with the Nuff Rey Combo. Over the years Lee performed at countless weddings family celebrations and venues throughout the area including the annual Weaver School and Workshop Christmas party. Lee and Nuff shared a passion for good music and a friendship that spanned the decades. Lee was an outstanding high school athlete having excelled in both basketball and baseball. He was scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played softball with a variety of teams well into his forties. An easy-going man who was quick to tell a joke Lee's greatest loves were his family his music sports and his beloved pets Ozzy and Julie. Leon was preceded in death by his father Joseph LaMonica Sr. He is survived by his beloved companion of 25 years Mary Lou Gibbons; his sons Larry of Akron Jim (Karla) of Canoga Park CA Mickey of Akron and Jeff (Tammy) of Akron; his step-daughters Kim (Cliff) Musgrave of Akron Kelli (Ponch) Santiago of Akron and eight adoring grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn; his mother May LaMonica of Cuyahoga Falls; brothers Joseph Jr. (Araceli) of Safety Harbor FL Tom (Peggy) of Gold Canyon AZ Gerry of Cuyahoga Falls Richard of Canton OH; sister Mary Lou (Frank) Nay of Stow OH; several sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces nephew great-nieces and great-nephews. Lee maintained a special bond with his cousin Tony (Lynn) Leacoma of Stow. I (Mary Lou) and my family feel blessed to have had him with us for the last 25 years. He will be greatly missed by all. The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the doctors nurses and staff at AGMC's MICU and in particular to Christina Kelly and Paula for their loving attention to Lee. Friends may call at the Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. TODAY December 29 2005 from 4-7 PM. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Phil Hulgin officiating. Logo (330) 253-6126 www.hummelfuneralhomes.com PLEASE RUN: Thursday in full photo.