John Erickson Schleich

John E. Schleich passed away unexpectedly surrounded by love with his family at his side on October 14, 2023. He was born on May 1, 1950 in Rochester, NY and grew up in near-by Webster. He enlisted in the Marine Corps. serving in the Vietnam War at the age of 18.

When he returned to the States, he was assigned to the Military Police at Cherry Point, NC with the Shore Patrol in Carteret County, NC. After discharge from the Marine Corp. , he earned a degree in Marine Engine Repair and co-owned a marine mechanics business at Spooners Creek Marina. When injury forced him to leave the boat mechanics industry, John earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration at NC Weslyn after pursuing a degree in Physics at UNC Chapel Hill. He spent the majority of his second career as a computer specialist working for SAS Institute Inc and owning Veteran Computer Services.

His family was his first love and the UNC Tar Heels were his second. He was an usher at the Dean Smith Center for Carolina basketball for over 35 years while his family and friends would often play “where’s John?” on TV. Out of his double digit career John only missed 6 games. At basketball games he was quick to show off the newest pictures of his children and grandchildren, bragging about the latest family update. Needless to say, one of John’s greatest strengths was his commitment and being present.

John also enjoyed the outdoors. Whether working in the yard, playing with dogs Brindi and Gemma, tending to the vegetable garden, playing disc golf with his wife Alissa, or walking the beach with his family, he couldn’t soak up enough of the warm sun. He was also a very talented woodworker, model train craftsman, and the family handyman. He spent many hours helping his daughter renovate her house, quick to show up with a toolbox in hand. He was willing to sacrifice himself for others and extend a helping hand to the people around him. His legacy will live through his creativity and carpentry expertise.

His family often joked that John was like a cat with nine lives. He endured a lot in his 73 years of life, but he was also strong and resilient. He fought for his Country and for his family— he was a fighter through his last breath. His life was a life well lived.

John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 35 years, Alissa Wilhelm Schleich, sons Andrew Schleich (Angel), Eric Schleich (Audrey) and daughter Kristen Schleich. He loved his four beautiful grandchildren Timothy Schleich, Hannah Schleich, Henry Schleich, and newest addition, Trenton Schleich. He is also survived by his sisters Judie Schafer (Duane) and Cindi Smith, his mother-in-law Betty Lyles, and brother-in-law Wayne Wilhelm (Kelli) as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his father, Jack J. Schleich and mother Beverly E. Schleich.

A celebration of John’s life will be held November 4th from 3 - 5pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC. A memorial service will be held on November 5th at 2pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Local SPCA of Wake County spcawake.org and/or the Vietnam Veterans of America https://vva.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Schleich family.