Leo Michael Hammond

    He was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, April 1, 1945 to the late John E. Hammond, Sr. and Elizabeth Peyton Hammond.

   Leo is survived by his wife Betty Bland Hammond; children Susan E. Flanagan and husband Joe of Statesville, N.C., James M Hammond and wife Elizabeth of Charlotte and stepson Michael Bland and wife Karen of Wilmington; grandchildren Jessie Flanagan, Will Hammond and Lauren Bland; sister Theresa Withers of Buhl, Idaho; and sisters-in-law Janet Hammond, John’s spouse and Katherine Hammond, Gregory’s spouse, both of Beverly, Massachusetts.  He is pre-deceased by brothers William, John and Gregory.

   Leo was a US Army veteran and graduated Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Massachusetts.  He started a 40+ year work career with the General Electric Company in Lynn, Massachusetts and subsequently moved to the new Aviation plant in Wilmington, North Carolina.  His leadership, advice and willingness to work with cross cultural teams helped establish Wilmington as a leader in manufacturing of complex jet engine rotating parts worldwide.  Leo was always willing to take the time to teach and explain these very difficult processes to a very inexperienced team.

   Leo was an avid sports fan focusing his energy on his beloved Red Sox and UNCW baseball and basketball.  He spent nearly 15 years sharing his love of basketball with the youth of Wilmington, coaching St. Mary’s girls and boys recreation teams, winning a girls’ North Carolina State Recreation Championship.  He loved golfing and spent many rounds “perfecting” his game with friends, associates and the GE Golf League.

   He shared his time and efforts in the community by being a docent at the Bellamy Mansion and served as the President of the local GE Retirees Association for several years.

   In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to eh Wilmington Coastal Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Their address is 1015 Ashes Drive, Wilmington, N.C., 28405.

   Visitation will be held Saturday November 11, 2017 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market Street at 11:45am with the Memorial Service following at 12:45 pm.