Leo Tisdale

Leo Tisdale made a peaceful transition Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at the VITAS Inpatient Hospice Care, Stockbridge, Georgia. Leo was born September 12, 1926 to Johnny and Maggie Tisdale (deceased) of South Carolina. He was one of 10 children. Surviving siblings: a sister Mary Scott, Rochester, NY; three brothers Peyton and Herman Tisdale, Andrew, SC; and Otto Tisdale, Troy, NY.

He met his beautiful bride, Flourie Nesmith in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and they were married December 21, 1946 in Andrews, South Carolina. She was the love of his life for 54 years before her passing on January 4, 2001.

In order to provide a better life for his wife and children, Leo moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1953 and began working as a laborer at the Dando Brickyard in Eastvale, Pennsylvania. After many years of hard labor making bricks, he then moved on to the steel mill. Leo worked at the Pittsburgh Tube Steel Mill in Monaca, Pennsylvania for 40 years where he retired. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union of Pennsylvania.

Leo was a member of Wayman Chapel AME Church in New Brighton, Pennsylvania where he was actively involved for over 50 years as an usher and trustee.

Leo truly loved his family, extended family, and friends. He cherished times with his brothers-in-law Alex, Emery, and Raymond Nesmith. They were like brothers throughout his life. His hobbies were fishing, cooking, and barbecuing. For those who knew him, knew his love for sweets!

Leo is survived by five daughters: Maggie Anderson, Atlanta, GA; Ellajay Joiner, Sacramento, CA; Carrie Bigstaff, Rochester, PA; Priscilla Tisdale, Beaver Falls, PA and Helen Patterson, Gainsville, FL; two sons: Leon Tisdale, Greensboro, NC and Johnny Lee Tisdale (Ducy), Beaver Falls, PA; and two foster sons: Effrey Tisdale, Beaver Falls, PA and John Tisdale, Rochester, NY.

30 Grandchildren: Leon Vincent Howard, Atlanta, GA; Marveeta Kirkland and Tiraya Sallie, Aliquippa, PA; Henry Cook, Las Vegas, NV; Dorita Wolfe, Dublin, CA; Keaon Tisdale, Dorsey and Michael (Boo) Bigstaff, Rochester, PA; Neil Parham, Pittsburgh, PA; Quincy Tisdale, Woodbridge, VA; Jerald Tisdale, Nashville, TN; Tiaira Glenn and Patrick Cleckley, New Brighton, PA; Tevin, Raven, Haylee and Jonika Tisdale, Jamica Patton, Mico Mason, Gertrude, John, and Carlos Cleckley all of Beaver Falls, PA; Fred Grant, Karen and Anissa Patterson, Gainsville, FL.

44 Great Grandchildren, 15 Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leo was predeceased in death by his beloved wife Flourie; two daughters Hattie Ellis and Camilla Good; son Charles Tisdale; and grandson Joseph Cleckley, Jr., II.

He had a very kind heart and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Viewing will be held at Washington Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Family will receive guest from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Celebration of life for Leo Tisdale will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2017, 1:00 PM at Washington Funeral Home, 1411 6th Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania with Pastor Christina Reed officiating. Repass will be immediately following service.

Friends and family are being received at the home of Carrie Bigstaff, 467 Irvin Avenue, Rochester, PA.

A Note of Thanks:

The Family of the late Leo Tisdale is truly grateful for all your condolences and encouraging words you have shared. But most of all we deeply appreciate your kind expressions of love, support, and great comfort to us as we journey through this difficult time of sorrow.

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10