Donald William Leo Sr.

Donald William Leo, Sr., 80, formerly of Coram, New York, unexpectedly passed away after surgery, surrounded by his family on February 13, 2022, at home in Lenoir City, TN. Donald was born in Queens, NYC on May 17, 1941, to the late Donald Chrisman Leo and the late Georgina James Leo. Donald graduated from Maryville College in 1962 and earned a master’s degree in History from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. After his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Fordham Law University in Manhattan, he opened his law practice in Suffolk County, NY. Politics was a love, and he became the Brookhaven Town Conservative Leader and served as campaign manager for several Congressional seats until his retirement in 2004 when he moved to Tennessee. As a resident of the Pines on Fire Island he loved to unwind on the beach. He also loved old classic movies and was a founding member of the International Sons of the Desert, devoted to the study and celebration of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. He especially enjoyed introducing grandson Sam to his favorite “funnies.” Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joyce Williams Leo, whom he met in the Debate Club at Maryville College; and son Donald William Leo, Jr. (Monica Leo) of Coram, New York; and daughter Diane Leo Menorca (Douglas Menorca) of Washington, D.C. and grandson Samuel Leo Menorca. Donald also served as Guardian of George King of Selden, NY and made him a part of the family. The family will receive friends Saturday, February, 26, 2022 at the Smith Funeral and Cremation Service in Maryville, TN. Visitation is at 1:00 pm with a service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Reece Wills, a Maryville College classmate of Donald and Joyce, will officiate followed by a gravesite service at Grandview Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald William Leo Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.