Leo Hector Demers

Leo H. Demers passed away at his home in St. Clair Shores, MI on May 25, 2020 surrounded by family. He was predeceased in 2015 by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia (McMullan). Leo was born in Detroit to Rene and Laurette Demers on November 30, 1926. He is survived by his loving children, Laurette (Ron) Lipa, John (Sandi) Demers, Collette (Mark) Kent, Barbara (Kevin) Bluhm, Frank (Janice) Demers, Margaret (Jim) Gagliardi, Larry (Julie) Demers and Kathryn (Mike) Polsinelli. He was a devoted grandfather of Patrick (Amanda) Lipa, Justin (Kristin) Demers, David (Susie) Lipa, Caitlynn (Jay) Say, Julie (Steve) Piche, Kristen (Victor) Velocci, Lauren Demers, Jeffrey Bluhm, Kevin Lipa, Gary (Eva) Kent, Gregg (Bridget) Kent, Robert Demers, Alex Gagliardi, Daniel (Abigail) Lipa, Marisa Polsinelli, Joseph Gagliardi, Dominic Polsinelli, Victoria Polsinelli, Rene Demers, Andrew Demers, and Danielle Demers. Great-Grandfather of Leo and Jude Piche, Claire Demers, Eladie Say, and his loving sister Irene. Leo was predeceased by his brothers Roger, Jerry and Gilbert.

In his early years, Leo attended Detroit Public Schools, St. Margaret Mary’s and Detroit Southeastern High School before joining the Merchant Marines where he served as a helmsman onboard an ocean cargo ship along the east coast. Leo was drafted and mustered into military service at Old Fort Wayne in Detroit. Stationed in Europe, he served with distinction as a Forward Mail Clerk in the U.S Army during World War II. He liked to joke that the highlight of his military service was winning the Battalion Tennis Tournament which awarded him three weeks of liberty in Holland. After his discharge, Leo went to work as a draftsman at Chrysler Corporation and TACOM, while earning his Degree in Mechanical Design. While working there he met Joseph Williams, and the two became lifelong compadres. It was around this time he met the one true love of his life, Patricia McMullan, through a mutual friend at a St. Gertrude Dance Social. Within six months they were engaged, and then married on June 5, 1954. Soon after honeymooning in Montreal, Leo and Pat moved into their forever “expanding” family home on Poplar Beach, where they raised their 8 children. Leo joined the Chevrolet Motor Division of GM as a Designer on September 30, 1955. He was employed by Chevrolet for 26 years and retired as a Design Group Leader on April 1, 1982, at the young age of 55. During his time at Chevrolet, Leo was involved on several high-profile programs, including the HVAC design of the Corvette, Malibu-Chevelle, Camaro, Nova SS and many futuristic concept vehicles. For a brief two-year period, Leo and Pat traveled to Paris, London, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. They bought a condo in Clearwater Florida to be close to Joe and Fran Williams, but retirement was not for him…not yet anyway. He returned to automotive design for Round 2, as a Project Leader, then Program Manager for Premier Engineering, Pioneer/Modern Engineering and finally, AMI Corporation.

Leo was an avid sports fan, athlete and the consummate COACH. During the summer, he loved playing softball with his brothers and brother-in-law, Paul, and in the winter, they bowled, on teams sponsored by his father’s store, Demers Market. He enjoyed golf, tennis, billiards, ping pong, camping, skiing, playing cards and coaching Little League Baseball and Softball. In 1978-79 he teamed up with his brother, Gilbert and co-managed a St. Clair Shores Girls’ Softball Team, which included their youngest daughters Kathryn and Suzanne, to consecutive State Championships.

In retirement, Leo remained active through his work with the Right To Life Organization and charitable work collecting and delivering medical supplies to worn-torn Serbia following the Kosovo War. During his three separate trips to Serbia, he also made pilgrimages to Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Throughout his life, Leo held steadfast to his Catholic roots, strong faith and was a member of the Lakeshore Council, Knights of Columbus, Third Degree and a Top Proposer Award Recipient. In recent years, Leo was a winter member of St. Leo’s Parish in Bonita Springs, FL and Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit the remainder of the year.

Leo H. Demers was a man of true conviction in everything he did. He will be remembered for his love of old black and white movies, a competitive spirit, yet humble demeanor, his perpetual faith, and most of all…an undying love for his family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Assumption Grotto Church, 13770 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48205 on behalf of Leo H. Demers.