Sebastian Joseph "Joe" Leis, Jr.

Sebastian Joseph Leis, Jr., “Joe,” 76, Johnstown died unexpectedly March 23, 2017 while vacationing in Florida.  He was born November 7, 1940 in Johnstown, the son of the late Sebastian Joseph, Sr. and Rose (McDermott) Leis.  Preceded in death by mother-in-law, Madeline (Harlan) Barrett and brother-in-law, Charles A. Barrett.  Survived by his best friend and wife of 50 years, the former Carol Barrett; children, Sebastian Joseph Leis, III, “Joe” married to the former Sue Woznak, Bethel Park; Gina Marie Leis and special friend, Jim Hirsch and Gregory Scott Leis married to the former Tiffany Davis, all of Johnstown.  Joe was Pap-Pap to Juliana and Sebastian Leis; Stacey, Curtis and Anthony Hockensmith and Keegan and Delaney Leis.  Also survived by brother, William R. Leis married to the former Rita Bernardy, NJ; niece, Sherri Pawlak married to Michael;  sister-in-law, Madeline Gyure married to James, Johnstown; nephews, Matthew (Samantha Snopko) and Luke; great-nephews, Barrett and Liam.  Joe was a 1958 graduate of Johnstown Catholic High School and initiated and loved the monthly Alumni breakfast.  Joe was proud to have served in the Marine Corps Reserves.  He was an educator in the Greater Johnstown School District for 37 years but never retired from his interest in teaching and learning.  He coached Little League and high school baseball, and enjoyed bowling, traveling, boating and fishing.  Joe got his motorcycle permit at age 72.  He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor and was an avid Bishop McCort Crusher fan.  He would also sneak cheeseburgers to his “grandpets.”  Joe treasured his extended family and was a loyal friend to many.  Joe was a father and grandfather who loved and supported his family unconditionally.  He was a husband who stayed in love with his soulmate with whom he shared many adventures.  Joe was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, where he was a volunteer and where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, Thursday by the  Rev. William E. Rosenbaum. Friends will be received from 3-7 PM, Wednesday at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd. Entombment Grandview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Bishop McCort High School, 25 Osborne Street, Johnstown, PA 15905; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or to a charity of one’s choice in Joe’s memory.

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