Edward Leja, 87, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024 in Ocala.
Ed was born in Morgan Township, Pennsylvania to John Leja and Mary Kolmat Leja on July 16, 1936. Ed joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation from high school and was stationed in England where he met his wife and where his daughter was born. After his service, he returned to the United States settling in Cleveland, Ohio where he worked for the Beneficial Corporation. He worked for Beneficial for over 25 years retiring as a Regional Manager. He enjoyed golfing and working around his farm.
He is survived by his daughter Helen Leja and his companion of 26 years, Barbara Jaggers, both of Ocala, his sisters Ann Hach, Agnes Jozefkowicz and Caroline Leja, all of Cleveland, Ohio, nephews Raymond Hach, Ronald Hach, Chester Jozefkowicz, John Leja and nieces Dorothy Obish, Donna Hach, Karen Kenney and Wendy Kruizenga.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jean Leja, parents John and Mary Leja, brothers Joseph Leja, John Leja and sister Verna Grewell.
A funeral mass will be held on June 25, 2024 at 12 p.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Ocala with Father Shenoy Thomas.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Life Care Center of Ocala for their care of Edward in his final months.