Thomas Michael Leechin

Msgt (Ret) Thomas (Tom) Michael Leechin, age 87, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019, surrounded by the love of his family.  Tom was born on July 14, 1931, to parents, Thomas and Mary Leechin in the Bronx, New York.  Tom met his beloved wife, Pat McCloskey, in 1952 and they were married on February 12, 1955.  He served proudly in the United States Air Force for 22 years as a flight engineer and was very proud to be an Air Commando.  His service included the Korean War, two tours in Vietnam, and several stateside assignments.  After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the United States Postal Service for nineteen years.  Tom was an active member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church for 35 years and was a sponsor of the youth group.  Tom was also instrumental in establishing Saint Peter’s Catholic Church.  Pat and Tom loved to go skating, dancing, gambling, and cruising.  Tom was always smiling and telling stories.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4444, Krewe of Columbus, Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge 2422, Sons and Daughters of Italy, and the Air Commando Association.  Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary; his sister, Lillian; and brothers, John and George.  He is survived by his wife Pat of 64 years; his children, Thomas (Sharon) Leechin, Robin (Don) Gill, and Stephanie (Jim) Leechin; grandchildren, Rachel (Tim) Yeatman, Thomas Leechin, Scott (Ashley) Leechin, Larry and Jennifer Abney, Nicholas, Stephen, and Joseph Sakmar and Shawn Harrell; great-grandchildren, Edwin Yeatman, Skyler and Anastasia Leechin, and Cadence Harrell; sisters, Agnes Kaiser and Sue McCloskey, and sister and brother Maureen and Bill Bosco; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends Ruth and Joe Jablonka and Nina and Bill Zylak.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547.  A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary’s Avenue SW, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548.  Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors will follow at 1:30 P.M.  A celebration of life will be held following the interment.  In his memory, the family suggests donations to the Air Commando Association, 2502 US-98, Mary Esther, FL 32569 or the Veterans’ Tribute Tower, PO Box 67, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32549.  

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