Leo Joseph Hagerty III

Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Leo—known as “Lee” to some of his family—spent most of his childhood and adult life in Buffalo, New York. From 1967 to 1970, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, Company D, 2/327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He later retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1998.

Leo was passionate about sports—playing, watching, and coaching. After listening to the first Buffalo Bills game on the radio in 1960, he became a lifelong fan. His love for the game led him to serve as President of the Hertel North Park Little League and to coach Junior Varsity baseball and football for 11 years at several Buffalo-area high schools. More than teaching plays and strategies, Leo instilled sportsmanship and camaraderie in every young athlete he mentored.

In 2011, Leo reunited with Jeanne (Crashell), the little girl who had moved two houses away in 1957. Though life took them in different directions during their youth, they remained friends for decades. That year, Leo moved to Arizona to begin a new chapter with Jeanne. His lifelong friends and family rejoiced to see him embrace “happiness and stability”.

Leo is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne; his beloved son, Timothy, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy; daughter-in-law Yvonne; grandson Jesus (“Junior”); granddaughter Jocelyn (David); and great-granddaughter Celine. He also leaves behind Jeanne’s daughter Beth Westerman (Wes); grandchildren Wyatt (Caitlyn) and Madison; and great-grandson Chandler. Leo is fondly remembered by many cousins, aunts, uncles, and his cherished fur babies—Mimi, Lily, and Charlie.

Leo will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Friends and family are warmly invited to gather afterward at the family home to continue celebrating Leo’s life.

In his final months, Leo was lovingly cared for by his Hospice of the Valley team—Julie, Michelle, and Chaplain Drew—whose compassion brought comfort and peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leo’s memory may be made to:

Hospice of the Valley, https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/

Or

Gary Sinise Foundation, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/