Obituary of Leon Danish

LEON DANISH Leon Danish, 88 of Latham died July 28, 2009. He was born August 6, 1920 in Maplewood and raised by his parents Jacob and Justine (Spiak) Danish who immigrated to New York from the Ukraine. He graduated from LaSalle Institute, and served in the US Army as Technical Sergeant in charge of the chemistry section in the 8th Medical Laboratory on Guadal Canal during WW II. He was the Chief Analytical Chemist for the Al Tech Specialty Steel Co retiring after 40 years. Leon married Doris Purstell in 1943 and built his own home in Latham where he raised his family: Gail Phelan (John) of Guilderland; Leon Danish (Michele) of Barrington RI; Kenneth Danish (Geralyn) of Latham and William Danish (Anne) of Roswell, GA. Sadly, Doris Danish died in 1975. They were married 32 years. In 1976 Leon married a former neighbor, Marjorie Kelleher. He became the step-dad of Audrey Pape (Larry) of Niskayuna, Maureen Gagliano (Joseph) of Madison CT, John F. Kelleher (Susan) of Falmouth, MA and Linda Carter (Michael) of San Diego, CA. In addition to his beloved children and spouses, Leon leaves behind 21 adored grandchildren, John & Elizabeth Phelan, Susanne, Caroline and Matthew Danish, Justin Danish, Adam, Elizabeth and Lauren Danish, Lawrence (Sherri) Pape, Joanna, Sarah, Amy and Kelly Pape, Gina and Lisa Gagliano, Ryan, Sean and Kaitlyn Kelleher and Christopher and Alexa Carter. He also leaves one special great granddaughter, Adriana Pape. Leon and Marjorie were married 32 years. Leon also leaves behind one special brother, Stephen Danish (Grace) of Hudson FL. As well as his much loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his 6 sisters: Mary Mihalsky, Julia Andrisco, Anne Anselment, Kathryn Gauvin, Sophia Karweil, Barbara Simonds and 2 cousins Andrew Ushay and Joan (Tellup) Ushay who were raised by his parents. Leon's favorite activity in retirement was motor homing. He and Marjorie took 5 trips across county and spent many winters in FL. He was a member of the Colonie Elks #2192. He loved to golf especially when he belonged to the Van Schaick County Club. In his later years he became an avid tennis player. In both activities he made many dear friends. He enjoyed his bridge group and was appreciated for his "great cooking"! Leon loved and enjoyed his wonderful family and all the activities they shared and was very proud of them. He often expressed that he was blessed twice in marriage and was very grateful for 64 years of marriage. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday from 4-7 P.M. at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Ltd., 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made In Leon's memory to LaSalle Institute, 174 Williams Rd, Troy NY 12180 or to Our Lady of the Assumption Building Fund. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com