Michael Leskovac

Calling Hours:
Friday, June 16, 2023, 10:00-11:00am
Gathering Space of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church
85 N. High St., Greenville, PA

Mass of Christian Burial:
Friday, June 16, 2023, 11:00am
St. Michael Roman Catholic Church
85 N. High St., Greenville, PA
Rev. Brandon Kleckner, Pastor, as celebrant

Greenville VFW will render military honors at
the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in
St. Michael Cemetery, Greenville.

Humble. Faithful. Generous. Kind. These are but a few descriptors for Michael G. Leskovac.

Born on May 1, 1939 to Peter and Maryann (née Balaban) Leskovac, Mike was a lifelong resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania. From a young age, Mike excelled at many things. He spoke fondly of a train trip across America, where at the meek age of six, he served as a Croatian translator for his maternal grandmother as they traveled to Montana. As a young man, he played on Greenville’s first little league team, recruiting other boys to play as he walked to the ball fields. His love for hunting and fishing began in his youth, hunting rabbits with his father and two brothers, fishing, and pursuing other outdoor activities.

Mike was a lifelong member of St. Michael Catholic Parish, attending both St. Michael’s School (SMS) and Maryknoll Seminary in New York. He enlisted in the Navy in 1956, participating in trainings and other activities on the weekends until his graduation from SMS in 1957. His love and devotion to his Catholic faith were similar to his allegiance for his country. Mike dutifully served in the U.S. Navy through 1960. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and served aboard two ships. He loved to share stories about his time in the service including his time spent at St. Lawrence Seaway where he used his French fluency to aid in the ceremonial opening of the channel.

Mike’s whole world changed in 1960 when he met Judith “Judy” Reinhart on a blind date. They married on July 1, 1961 and remained hopelessly in love until his passing on June 9. They made their home in Greenville where Mike maintained their home and yard in pristine condition - a home where they would raise their greatest accomplishments, daughter Michelle and son Michael. Mike worked as an agent for Prudential for eight years, served as a volunteer firefighter in Greenville, then used skills and knowledge about radar learned in the Navy to become an air traffic controller. He worked for 25 years as a controller, ending his service in aviation as the Chief of the Youngstown Airport. Mike concluded his professional career as Deputy Director for Mercer County where he developed and implemented the 911 system for the entire County.

Life was more than just work for Mike. He knew how to play and lived his life with zeal. He loved going to his camp, the “Pickle Inn,” in Tionesta where he shared his love of the outdoors with two of his biggest joys- grandsons Ryan and Brad. Mike also enjoyed spending time at Lake Pymatuning where he remodeled a cottage and spent cherished time on his pontoon boat with son Michael. He was eager to share stories about his fishing expedition to the Northwest Territory and his epic hunting adventures in Canada.

With retirement came winter trips to Florida, where Mike and his dear Judy enjoyed the company of friends and the sunshine of Naples. These later years also brought the blessing of five precious great-grandchildren: Christian, Josslyn, Wesley, Austin, and Isaac. Mike adored his entire family and never hesitated to lend a hand to support those in need- whether that be family, friends, church members, or the community at large. He donated land to his church for the purposes of constructing a rectory and it was on this land that he and the priests planted and lovingly tended to a community garden. The fruits of their labor were given to anyone in need and often shared with the Good Shepherd Center. He was a quiet philanthropist, steadfastly supporting numerous worthy causes close to his heart. He also taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes for many years at his church.

Mike never lost his good sense of humor or listening ear. He was a leader in his family and will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of nearly 63 years, Judy (St. Paul’s), daughter Michelle and her husband Steve (Stow, OH), and son Michael (St. Paul’s). His grandsons Ryan (Stacey) and Brad (Emily) and their children also survive him as well as siblings Beverly (Terry), Pete (Wendy), Rosemary (Jeff), and Maria. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Paul, sister Carol, and brother-in-law Chuck. Mike was a beloved uncle, cousin, and friend to many and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

A celebration of Mike’s life will take place on Friday, June 16, 2023 at St. Michael’s Church. The family will host a viewing from 10 to 11am, followed by mass. Services will conclude with military honors outside of the church with Mike’s final resting place being St. Michael’s Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a luncheon immediately following the services at the church. Flowers may be sent to the church at 85 N. High Street in Greenville, 16125. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis,  TN 38105 or St. Michael Parish Charitable Trust, 85 N. High St., Greenville, PA 16125.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville, PA.