Leigh John Charamella, Ph.D, age 83, of East Lansing died Friday, March 30, 2021 at Sparrow Hospital after a short illness. Leigh was a retired microbiologist. He was employed by the Michigan Department of Public Health where he worked in immunology on various vaccines and cancer treatments.
Leigh was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Leigh and Elsie (Deitrich) Charamella. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ron, and his sister-in-law, Linda.
Leigh graduated from Salesianum High School in Wilmington, DE. He attended Mt. St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD, where he earned a B.S. degree. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He did post-doctoral work at The University of Alabama Medical School before moving to Frederick, MD., where he worked in biology research at the Frederick Cancer Research Facility. He and his family moved to Michigan in 1977 where he worked in the State of Michigan Public Health Laboratories.
Leigh married his wife, Elizabeth Anne Webster, on August 20, 1966 at St. Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge, TN. He is survived by his wife; their son, John (Donna); grandsons, Ethan and Connor; a brother, Robert Charamella (Nancy), of Columbia, MD.; and many other extended family members and friends.
Leigh was a long-time member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing. He was a passionate Spartan sports fan. He enjoyed traveling, including beach vacations with the family in Stone Harbor, NJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, East Lansing, MI with Rev. Gordon Reigle as Celebrant. There will be visiting one hour prior to the Mass at the Church. For those who would like to make a donation in Leigh’s honor, consider giving to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or to The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel. To leave an on-line condolence for the family please visit www.greastlansing.com.
