John Leon, 51, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born April 5, 1971 in Camden, NJ at Our Lady of Lords Hospital, the son of John J. Leon and Mary S. (Bussian) Kertman.
John graduated from Washington Township High School, Sewell, NJ Class of 1989. Following graduation, he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering Technology. After graduation, He married Michelle (Henry) Hines on June 5, 1999 in Medford, NJ at the Cathedral in the Woods. They celebrated 22 years of marriage in June 2021. John was an avid (some may say rabid) sports fan and loved everything Philly!! The Flyers were the team he was most passionate about, but the Eagles, Phillies and the Wings were all near and dear to his heart. Being such a sports fan, he was a volunteer in all his children’s activities, including football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, Girl Scouts and more. John was the best cookie mom there was!! John himself was an avid runner, completing countless 5Ks, ½ marathons and full marathons, many for charity organizations. He also earned the level of 2nd degree Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts. He was an integral part of a volunteer group named Runners Ready, helping MMA students train to complete the endurance running required to be eligible to test for their black belts. John was a friend to everyone, and would help anyone, all while busting their stones!
John was predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph Leon, Victoria (Vettese) Leon, Daniel Bussian, Mary (Tighe) Bussian. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Michelle (Henry) Leon, are his daughter, Nicole Hines (Joseph Pinizzotto) of Williamstown NJ, sons Dante and Marco, of Clermont and his grandson Bentley, age 4, three sisters, Tania Leon Dubb (Bill Dubb) of Sewell, NJ, Heather Kertman of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Leslie Kertman (Dale Whittington) of Sarasota, FL, one brother, Rich of Cherry Hill, NJ and nieces and nephews, Nico, Noah and Calista and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service Saturday, April 30th, 2:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. John requests no formal attire and asks for friends and family to celebrate him in their favorite team’s sports attire. Bonus points if it is a Philly team!
To honor John’s memory, remember to live life with kindness, humor, fine meals and good beer. Those who wish to support John’s wife and children may do so at https://gofund.me/72c61d15
Although the loss is immeasurable, so is the love left behind.