Leon Joseph Rocheleau, 95, of Colchester, peacefully went Home to be with Our Lord on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He and the late Georgette “Claire” (LeBeau) Rocheleau enjoyed 62 loving and happy years of marriage in their East Hartford home.
Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts June 14, 1925, Leon was the son of the late Alfred and Bertha (Mailloux) Rocheleau. Before age 18 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the outbreak of World War II. After serving his country with honor, he worked in research and development and experimental technologies for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Co. until retirement. Leon enjoyed long walks, spending time with family and watching football. He spent a great deal of time fixing up his apartments as he loved to stay busy.
Leon is survived by his three daughters: Donna M. MacDonald and her husband Stephen of Colchester; Robin J. DeLong and her husband William of Raleigh, NC; and Michelle Haydasz and her husband Richard of Glastonbury; 10 special grandchildren: Kara Shemo of Wethersfield, Krystal Briggs of Vernon, Kendra Trombino and her husband Aldo of Gales Ferry, Erika Haydasz of Glastonbury, Chelsea Haydasz of Glastonbury, Christine Wheeler and her husband Nick of Massachusetts, Danielle DeLong of Massachusetts, William DeLong, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Keith Rocheleau of Manchester and Loni Rocheleau of Coventry; many adored great-grandchildren, Brandon Rocheleau of East Hartford and Landon and Ryder Shemo of Wethersfield, Mason and Asher Briggs of Vernon and Caden and Kinsley Trombino of Gales Ferry as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides his wife, Leon was predeceased by a son, Mark R. Rocheleau.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday (January 7th) at St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer St. Burial with military honors followed at Silver Lane Cemetery. There were no calling hours. Services were entrusted to D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel. Gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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