Leon Joseph Wysocki

Leon J. Wysocki was born in Grafton, North Dakota, to Caroline Byzewski and Raymond Wysocki. On October 30, 2026, Leon gained his wings, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughs, and adventures.

Growing up in a small town, Leon developed a lifelong love for sports, particularly basketball and baseball, both of which he enjoyed playing throughout his younger years. The highlight of his younger years was meeting Gail in school. She was the love of his life.

Their love story began in high school, and while parenthood came earlier than expected, Leon and Gail embraced it with open arms. In 1969, they welcomed their first child, Lisa, and on January 31, 1970, they officially began their journey as husband and wife.

Leon and Gail were no strangers to hard work. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and perseverance. They worked tirelessly, sometimes even taking days off from their regular jobs to make deliveries in the potato truck. Their early years of life together were not always glamorous, but it was theirs, and they made something extraordinary out of it.

Although their love story was far shorter than either deserved, it was filled with love that knew no bounds for one another, for their children, and the life they had so carefully crafted together. He always reminded us that love isn’t constrained by time, but by the memories that the love was built upon.

From 1971 to 1973, Leon proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Yeoman, a chapter of his life he carried with great pride. He also worked at the Grafton State School.

In 1976, Leon and Gail welcomed their son, Troy, followed by their youngest child, Tera, in 1978, completing their family.

In 1979, Leon embarked west to San Francisco, California, to attend mortuary college, where he studied to become a funeral director. It was more than a career to Leon, it was his own special calling. He took immense pride in his work and found purpose in helping families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With his compassion, warmth, and ability to connect with others, Leon became a comforting light for countless grieving families.

Though Leon came from a small town, his spirit was never confined to one. He had an adventurous heart, a curious mind, and an extraordinary ability to make a stranger feel like an old friend. He could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone, about absolutely anything. His charismatic smile could draw even the shyest person out of their shell. He made those around him feel seen and heard.

Leon was a sentimental man who understood that life’s greatest joys were often found in its smallest moments. He had a sense of humor like no other, and had an infectious chuckle.

Sitting still was never really Leon’s style. Whether he was walking laps around Costco, taking a stroll around the block, swimming in the community pool, or dancing around his living room to music played by Alexa, he always found a way to keep moving. He did not need a special occasion to create some fun, sometimes all it took was a good song and a little room to dance.

And of course, Leon had his secrets to looking good. He proudly credited his great hair and skin to his extensive personal care regimen. Whether you asked for advice or not, Leon was more than happy to share a beauty tip or two. And he always had his pocket comb and mirror on demand.

Eventually, Leon made his retirement home in New Port Richey, Florida, a place he loved dearly. He often said there was “no better place in the world for sunsets.” He also had quite the green thumb and nurtured so many plants in his atrium. One of the most beautiful things about Leon is that no matter where life took him, he never stopped appreciating the simple beauty in the world around him.

Leon absolutely adored being a grandpa and spoiling the grandkids. He also believed that any problem they had big or small could be solved with a flight to Florida and a peanut butter sandwich.

Leon lived a life filled with laughter, love, hard work, and adventure. He was a husband, father, grandpa veteran, funeral director, storyteller, and friend.

Although the sun has set on Leon’s time here with us, the warmth of his life and love is shining through the people he has loved and the memories he is leaving behind with us.

Leon is predeceased by his parents, Caroline and Raymond Wysocki, his wife, Gail Wysocki, and his nephew, Christopher Doyle.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Lisa Flink and Tera (Mike) Hurrle, and her children Skylar and Reagan, and his son, Troy, and his children, Abigail, Wyatt, Sophie, and Phoebe. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond (Jeannie) Wysocki Jr and Mike Wysocki, and his sister, Vicki Doyle, as well as many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and other extended family members. Leon leaves behind many memories in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and will be missed dearly by all.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the ElderClub of Port Richey, the care teams of Gulfside Hospice and the medical professionals at the VA and Humana, as well as a special thanks to Adi, Leon's home health aide.

A memorial service will be held to honor Leon's life at Faupel Funeral Home on Monday, November 9th, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 6:00pm.