Submitted by: Dan Rich
Harold J. Leyes Sr.
Surrounded by his loving family, Harold
J. Leyes Sr., 87, passed away peacefully of natural causes on
Saturday evening, July 1, at 6:45 p.m. in South Bend, Indiana.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife
of 54 years, Virginia. He is also survived by his legacy of
loyal, loving children, Harold J. Leyes Jr. (Joyce) of Fort
Myers, Florida, Deborah A. Fairfax (Barry) of
Indianapolis, Indiana, Douglas J. Leyes (Kathy) of South Bend,
Nancy L. Myrland (John) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and
Frank A. Leyes (Jennifer) of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also
survived by eight grandchildren who brought immense joy and pride
into his life, Sean, Erin, Molly, Packy, Micah, Nora, Isaiah and
Daniel, as well as one brother, Richard of Janesville, Wisconsin.
Harold was born in South Bend and attended St. Joseph Grade School and South Bend Central High School. Despite not being able to attend college, Dad excelled at his occupations. He began his career at Indiana Bell Telephone. He then switched careers and soared to the pinnacle of his “true” career and passion in the life insurance industry. He served first with the Aetna Life and Casualty Company, and then for over 30 years with The Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. His excellence in his field is evidenced by his becoming a general agent, a very coveted position at Connecticut Mutual.
He also received numerous prestigious
industry awards, and was a member of the Million Dollar Round
Table. His commitment to continuing, lifelong education is
evidenced by earning his initial designation of CLU (Chartered
Life Underwriter), and at the age of 71 earning the acclaimed
designation of CHFC (Chartered Financial Consultant). Harold
served his country during World War II as a second lieutenant in
the Air Force. He was an avid golfer at the Morris Park Country
Club, and also was a member of St. Anthony's Parish in South
Bend. Dad also loved to watch Notre Dame football games.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer
Service of Northern Indiana, 922 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend,
IN 46617; and to Southfield Village Long Term Care Facility
Employee Recognition Fund, c/o Anna Dykstra, 6450 Miami Circle,
South Bend, IN 46614.
Friends may celebrate his life with us at
Hickey Funeral Home, 3516 East Jefferson Blvd., from 3 to 6:00
p.m. on Wednesday, July 5. The Mass of Christian Burial will be
held in St. Anthony's Church, 2120 East Jefferson Blvd., on
Thursday, July 6, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Highland
Cemetery after services.
Editor: On Oct. 20, 1951 he married Virginia G. Grant, who
survives.