Leon James Ruzycki

Born on April 7, 1945, he is proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Nancy (Bragiel) Ruzycki, his parents Casimir and Adele Ruzycki; his brother Jerry; his sister, Joyce (Krzyston); and his brother Casimir “Bud” and sister-in-law Karen (Milton).

Leon and Nancy met in grade school — beginning a true love story at Clarke high School that would span over five decades of marriage and a lifetime of partnership. When Nancy passed away nine years ago, a part of Leon’s light dimmed, but his love for her never wavered.

Together, they raised three strong daughters: Sheri (Joe White), Robyn (Scott Baumeister), and Jaclyn (Michael LaPidus). Leon was the kind of father who didn’t just attend events — he immersed himself in them. School functions, sports games, milestones — he was there. Steady. Stoic. Supportive. He modeled what a strong, devoted man looked like, and his daughters carried that example into their own long, beautiful marriages.

After three daughters, Leon and Nancy were blessed with six grandsons: Tyler and Austin (Callie) White; Logan and Caden Baumeister; and Hudson and Wynn LaPidus. Becoming a grandfather was a new adventure — and after years surrounded by girls, the sudden appearance of hammers, roughhousing, coaching and attending hundreds of baseball games and boyhood energy was, in his words, “a cool change of pace.” He loved every minute of it.

Leon also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, with whom he shared close bonds and plenty of laughs.

Professionally, Leon worked at Taylor Chain and later at Magnetech/Meade, where he sold industrial magnets. His customers didn’t just do business with him — they looked forward to him showing up. Leon had a gift for relationships; he understood that people mattered more than transactions.

A proud member of the Hammond Mohawk social club, Leon valued friendship deeply. He and Nancy loved traveling with big groups of friends — the bigger the group, the better the stories. Leon especially loved planning the trips and, perhaps even more, the post-trip “debriefs,” complete with photos and play-by-play commentary. Cruising and tropical destinations were his love language. In retirement, Leon and Nancy followed their wanderlust to Las Vegas, where they built a new chapter filled with friends, sunshine, and adventure. They made everyday life feel like a vacation.

Year round, Leon could be found watching the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football and professional golf, faithfully riding the highs and lows as only a true fan can.

Leon will be remembered for his steady presence, his quiet humor, his deep loyalty, and his unwavering love for family. He showed up — for his wife, his daughters, his grandsons, his friends — and that may be his greatest legacy of all.

His life was a testament to devotion, hard work, and the joy of gathering the people you love around a table, on a trip, or in front of a ball game.

He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Go Cubs!