Leo was born September 20, 1930 in Ecorse, Michigan to Florence (Bowman) and William Flanigan. At a young age Leo enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Japan. When the Korean War broke out he was sent immediately to Korea. Leo participated in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Upon returning to the states, Leo married his wartime love, Dorothy Fertsch. Dorothy and Leo were married 67 years.
Leo Initially was employed at Sperry Gyroscope in NY, then in 1960 became employed at Airborne Instruments Laboratory (AIL). Leo worked his way up to Senior Engineering Associate. In 1979 he became Development Engineering Associate. He was one of a group of AIL Division Staff members responsible for the design and production of the first piece of AIL equipment to go into space.
After retiring from AIL, Dorothy and Leo moved to Marlow, NH where Leo worked for Koll Morgan Co. In 1992 Dorothy and Leo relocated to Cape Cod, MA.
Leo enjoyed painting, model ship building and Landscaping. Leo belonged to the Korean War Vets, VFW, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Centerville.
Leo is survived by his wife Dorothy, his daughter Maureen Byrne and her partner James Willitts of Upton, MA; Granddaughter Meghan Rezac and husband Dave of Hopkinton, MA; Grandson Thomas Byrne Jr. and his wife Amanda of Jaffrey, NH; two great-grandchildren Marlow and Norah Rezac; and many nieces and nephews.
Leo was predeceased by brothers, Michael, Peter and Patrick; and sister, Mary.
Calling hours are at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main St., Hyannis, MA on Sunday, June 9th 2019 from 2-6 p.m. Services will be held Monday, June 10th at 10 a.m. at First Church UCC, 136 Main St., Sandwich, MA. Burial at 2 p.m., Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MSPCA Cape Cod, 1577 Falmouth Rd., Centerville, MA 02632.
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