Jerry Lazar Leon

Jerry Laser Leon, passed away peacefully in his sleep at approximately 4:30 am on December 10, 2020, in his Jacksonville home sharing the warmth, comfort and company of his loyal wife and two loving children.

Mr. Leon, the son of Jewish immigrants, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three brothers. A hard worker, Jerry developed his business acumen under the tutelage of his eldest brother Pete, 17 years his senior, who hired young Jerry to help run his pharmacy. In high school, Jerry participated in sports as starting half-back for the varsity soccer squad. Jerry continued his education first graduating from business school at Pierce Junior College and later at LaSalle College.

After college, Jerry met his future wife, Naida, who helped him secure a career at Healthkit Electronics in Fraser Pennsylvania. Mr. Leon was an outstanding salesman and his success was noticed by management who asked him to relocate to Florida. After the birth of their first child and careful consideration and negotiations, Jerry accepted the job in Florida and the young family was off to Jacksonville!

Jerry ran the Jacksonville Healthkit Store for 15 years, often leading the company in sales and profits. Eventually, Jerry noticed serious mismanagement issues in management in corporate headquarters. With the writing on the wall, Jerry left Heathkit before they imploded. He went out on his own and created Computers and Components. He operated his company successfully for a decade and a half and then decided on retirement.

Jerry spent his golden years kayaking all around the southeast. About eight years ago, Jerry fell in love with ham radios and spent the majority of his leisure time operating his radio station, KK4RDI. Jerry's love affair with ammeter radio was his favorite hobby far and away. He attended meetings and functions as a member of two local ham radio clubs, as well as logging contacts with the three major international ham radio organizations. Jerry's call letter will live on via their use by his eldest son Izak.

Jerry was survived by his wife, Naida Leon, his sons, Aaron and Izak Leon and his favorite cat, Thomas Angus Mischief.