Leo J. Pilon

Leo was born February 7, 1926 in Springfield, Mass. Leo enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 during WWII and proudly served for 2 years. He primarily served on ship LSM 21 as a helmsman and machinist mate. He most notably fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, regarded by many as the largest naval battle in history. Leo’s ship was also in Tokyo Bay on V-J Day, where the Empire of Japan surrendered in WWII. He was honorably discharged on May 3, 1946.

Upon his return from the war, he married Doris Pellerin in Springfield, Mass. on November 15, 1947. Leo opened a successful electrical contracting business in his early 20s in Agawam, Mass.

Leo and Doris moved their family to Florida in 1955. Leo worked as a Master Electrician for 40 years in Massachusetts and South Florida. He also served as the Chief Electrical Inspector for the City of Pompano Beach for a short time. Leo retired in 1988 at the age of 62 to spend more time with his family.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife Doris who passed in 2009. Leo was also preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Edward, and his sister, Theresa LaBonte.

He is survived by his sisters, Jeanette Jalbert and Doris Perrault. Leo is also survived by his son, Thomas Pilon, Ph.D. of Carrollton, Texas and his daughter Elaine Donaghue and her partner, Brent Winans of Ocean Ridge, Fla. He is survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, Todd Donaghue (and Michelle), Chad Donaghue (and Joe Snell) and Joshua Donaghue (and Amanda). Leo also leaves behind three wonderful great-grandchildren that he adored: Avery, Mason and Cameron.

Services will be held at Babione-Kraer Funeral Home, 1100 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Fla. on Friday May 5. Visitation from 12-2 p.m with a short service to follow.

Arrangements under the direction of Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home, Boca Raton, FL.