Joseph Michael Leach, 76, of Scranton passed away May 22, 2025, eight days before his 77th birthday. He suffered and fought a long, courageous battle for three and a half years of esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family until the very end.
Son of the late Joseph C. Leach and Mary Latzo Leach, he was born on May 30, 1948 in Scranton. He was a lineman and troubleman for PPL for 47 years before retiring.
Joe was a 1966 graduate of Scranton Technical High School and was a veteran during the Vietnam War as a Staff Sargent for the U.S. Army. He was Vice President of St. Ann’s Basketball Association for a number of years, and was a Baseball Coach for Sloan Baseball League as well. He volunteered his time and helped place all new poles with lighting at Sloan Little League field. He was a den leader for St. Ann’s Cub Scouts in the 1980s and was a member of St. Ann’s Basilica. Joe was a dedicated grandfather to his two grandsons. He faithfully attended their sports and special events in their lives. His “buddy” Mason and his “partner” Jonas were his pride and joy, and his reason for living.
Joe was honored to be a descendant of such an athletic family. His uncles were all professional boxers. Especially, his Uncle Pete Latzo who was Welter Weight Champion of the World at one time in his career. Joe’s father also was a Feather Weight champion boxer when he was young.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, RoseMarie Weslowski Leach, a daughter, MaryAnn Scouten (Shawn), Pittston Township, a son Joseph M. Leach (Caron), Quakertown, two grandsons, Mason Scouten and Jonas Leach, a sister, Suzanna Patrick (Thomas), niece Bridget Hermann (Paul), a great niece Arabella and great nephew, Alexander Hermann, all of South Carolina, a sister-in-law, Esther Lanzo , Scranton, nephew Mario Lanzo, Boston, and niece Regina Dunn (Walter), Lake Ariel, brother-in-law Stanley Weslowski (Ann), Covington Twp.
Thank you to the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers in Manhattan, NY, Basking Ridge, and Monmouth, NJ for their treatment and care over the past 3 and half years. Thank you for the exceptional care Joe was given by Carlene, R.N. of Residential Hospice.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 28th from 3-5pm in the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, PA with a service at 5:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Humane Society, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Joe.
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