Leo Joseph Demchak

1924-2011

Leo Joseph Demchak told his last story and joined his beloved wife, “Betsy”, in heaven on Friday, July 22, 2011, while surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Leo was born the fifth child of George and Anna Palko Demchak, in Lisbon, Maine, on February 8, 1924. He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife, Beth (Larson) Demchak, his sisters Olga, Evelyn, Sister M. Christina, OSF, and his brother George.

He attended Anson and Madison schools and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburg, PA. After graduation, Leo went to work for Sikorsky Helicopter in Bridgeport, CT.

In May of 1943, Leo enlisted in the US Navy and was eventually assigned to the USS San Juan as a Fire Controlman. While aboard the ship, he participated in many of the WWII battles in the Pacific Theater. On August 29, 1945, he was aboard the USS San Juan when it was the first American Warship to enter and anchor in Tokyo Harbor and the mission was to liberate American POWs. He was so very proud of his service to his country. He was Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.

Leo returned home and began his long career utilizing his gift of gab as a salesman for area confectionary and tobacco companies, and institutional food companies. He became the first salesman in the state of Maine to reach the $3M gross sales plateau. Leo was honored as Salesman of the Year numerous times and his career pinnacle came when he was selected as Salesman of the Decade in 1990. He retired in 1992 and became an even busier man, always with a story to tell.

Leo entered local politics, was elected Town Selectman, and served many terms. He was the town tree warden and a founding member of the Madison Recycling Committee. He was honored in 2005 when he was chosen Grand Marshall of the Madison-Anson Days parade, and the town report was dedicated to him that same year. He was a communicant and Eucharistic Minister at the St. Sebastian Church and a member of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. Other memberships included the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, and the Lakewood Golf Course. Leo was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He played golf as often as possible, and often enjoyed a game with Father Morin and Father Plante.

Leo and Betty met when they were introduced at the Modern Restaurant in Madison in 1946. They were married on July 21, 1947 and celebrated 59 years together before Betty passed away on March 25, 2006.

Leo is survived by his six children: Robert and his wife, Margaret; Christine; Joni and her husband, John; Rick and his wife, Marie-Ann; Dave and his wife Kareen, and Jim and his wife, Selena. Fourteen grandchildren: Scott, Rhonda, Suzie, Nicki, Cindy, Jake, Renee, Aaron, Andrea, Adam, Jay, Cyanne, James and Rachel. Sixteen great grandchildren: Matthew D., Crystal, Brianna, Matthew C., Calli, Juliana, Ashley, Ryan, Gracie, Maggie, Maxx, Madison, Kaylee, Kelsey, Zachary J and Zackery B. He is also survived by his brother, Edward; in-laws Bunny and Beale, Dottie and Bud, Fred and Andrea, and Donna; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his granddaughter’s fiancé Ted Brown and his children Michelle, Garricy and Zane, grandson Mark Cough and his children; Dillon and Ashleigh.

Leo’s family would like to thank family, friends and neighbors for all their support during this difficult journey. Special heartfelt thanks to Shirley for her tender, loving care; to Beth for her lobster rolls and visits; to Bunny and Beale, Patti and Rod for their love and assistance with his care; Bob C., John K., and Leo’s church “family” for their help when the final chapter of his life’s story was being written.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, July 25th from 6:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday, July 26th from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 27th at 10:00am at the St. Sebastian Church, 161 Main St., Madison, ME 04950. Interment will follow at the St. Sebastian Cemetery in Madison, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to further the caring and compassionate programs of Health Reach Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903 or the St. Sebastian Church, 161 Main St., Madison ME 04950.

Condolences may be offered at www.smartandedwardsfh.com

under the direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, Skowhegan, ME.