Gary Mark Leingang

Gary Mark Leingang, age 55, a resident of Harahan, LA, died March 9, 2010, at Hospice of Baton Rouge from glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer. Gary was born on May 9, 1954 in New Orleans, LA. He is the son of Rosemary Peppo and the late Louis Michael Leingang. Gary was married on August 14, 1976 to Mona Louise Ducote. Gary graduated from Jesuit High School in 1972 and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Orleans. Gary was a special education teacher for almost 30 years with the Jefferson Parish School System. Gary loved teaching, coaching, and above all being a devoted friend, husband, and father. He was a parishioner of Saint Rita church in Harahan. His faith grew stronger as he battled his illness.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Mona Leingang; son David and his wife Regina, daughter Janet, and son Paul; mother, Rosemary Peppo and her husband Octave “Joe” Peppo; brother, Michael Leingang Sr., and his wife Mary Ellen Leingang; sister, Lisa Mills and her husband Doug Mills; many nieces and nephews; and his dog Sam. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Louis Michael Leingang.

Visitation hours will be held Friday, March 12, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home 3827 Canal St. Because Gary was not one for formal attire, the family requests casual clothing to be worn to Friday’s visitation. Grey is preferred in honor of brain cancer awareness. The mass will be held Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 11:00 am Jesuit High School’s Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am untl mass time. Burial will follow immediately at Saint Patrick’s Number One. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Brain Tumor Association in honor of Gary Leingang. The family would like to thank Dr. Howard Coleman and the entire staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center, West Jefferson Medical Center, River Regions Hospice, Hospice of Baton Rouge, as well as all of their family and friends who have offered their prayers and support during this very difficult time. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.schoencanalstreet.com