Len was born on Dec. 10th, 1928 in Mt. Carmel, PA to Agnes Ryszkowska and Jackob Perkowski. He was the youngest of 8 children. One brother, Walter Perkowski and his lovely wife, Carol, reside in Atlanta, GA.
Len was married to Doris Denis Smart for 67 years. He was a proud father of three daughters and sons-in-law who called him “Daddio.”; Karen Forsee (Thomas), Nanette Kingsley (Jeffrey) and Noelle Bothe (Michael); grandchildren Keven and Kate Forsee, Jennifer Garcia who preceded him in death, Alex and Anthony Bothe; and great grandchildren Gabriel and Cameron Garcia.
In 1946, when he was 17 years old, Len, enlisted in the Army. He became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division and trained at Ft. Bragg, NC and Ft. Benning, GA. He was sent to Sendai and Honshu, Japan, during the occupation. Len was promoted to Sgt. T4 status and in charge of Parachute Maintenance.
Upon returning home to Cleveland, Ohio he became a pattern/model maker, retiring at age 67.
He was a perfectionist in everything he did. But, we will all miss his corny jokes and miss-matched clothes.
When Len became ill with memory loss, Community Care and Hospice of Asheboro cared for him at home.
A special thank you goes to; Sue Sparks, Emily Owens, Denise Austin, Ashley Edward and Pastor Tom Kidd.
In September, Len entered Westchester Manor, where he was cared for with the same tenderness and love.
Upon his passing, all who cared for him came in to kiss him goodbye. What a beautiful farewell.
At Lens request, the family will gather to celebrate his life at a later date.
Online condolences for Leonard can be made at www.sechrestfunerals.com
