Nick Leasure, 95, of Tyrone died on Friday, March 21, 2014, at his residence. He was born on January 8, 1919 in Baltimore, MD, a son of William Eratuse and Amy Pearl (Clouse) Leasure. He was married to Vera Marie Wengert on July 2, 1938, who died on August 31, 1997. He is survived by: Connie F. Wood (Jerry) of Shrewsbury, PA; Peggy L. Adams (Ronald C) of Tyrone, PA; and Dr. Nick C. Leasure (Veronica) of Pottstown, PA. He also survived by long time friend and companion Bonnie P. Owens. He had 7 grandchildren; Kevin L. Wood (Patti) of High Point, NC; T. Irene Wood of Wyomissing, PA; Stephen P. Turchetta (Marie) of Altoona, PA; Andrew S. Turchetta of Roaring Spring, PA; Nicholas Leasure of New York; Michael T. Leasure attending Pitt University, Pittsburgh; and Emilie Leasure at home in Pottstown as well as 2 step grandchildren Tiffany and Justin Warner; 3 great grandchildren; Mitchell I. King, Sean P. Turchetta and Liam A. Turchetta and 3 step great grandchildren Corbin, Mackenzie and Baley. He was preceded in death by four sisters; Phyllis Parks, Thelma Rupert, Violet Bigely, Yolanda Anders and a brother Leroy Cropiet. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family.
Mr. Leasure worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad starting in 1939 until his retirement in 1982. He was drafted in 1944 into the US Navy and served as a third class radioman aboard the USS Bunker Hill, the flagship of the US Fifth Fleet. His job was to keep the ships logs and copy messages he heard on the radio in the Combat Information Center. The most crucial moment in his naval career came when he heard that the prized Japanese fleet was heading to Okinawa where American troops had just landed. He took the information to the ship's executive officer and due to his quick action leading to the destruction of the world's largest battleship, the Yamoto, and seven of the eight Japanese ships alongside her. Nick had helped to save tens of thousands of lives in the process. He was also on watch when he heard the island of Iwo Jima had been secured and the Marines had raised the American flag. For his dedicated service he received various medals, awards and citations, including the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two stars, the World War II Victory Medal and two Bronze Stars. He received his Honorable Discharge from the US Navy on January 18, 1946.
Mr. Leasure was a graduate of Tyrone High School in 1938 and was a member of Wesley United Church. Mr. Leasure was one of the original charter members of the Tyrone VFW and is known for reciting the Gettysburg Address, which he knew by heart, during the Memorial day services for many, many years. He recited the Gettysburg Address one last time at the dedication cervices at Soldier's Park. He was also a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, the "Old Grazierville Gang" and the senior citizen's bowling league.
Funeral service for Mr. Leasure will be Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 PM at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. with Reverend Jason Guillaume officiating. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park. The Tyrone Honor Guard will participate in Mr. Leasure's service. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6 to 9 PM and on Wednesday from 1 PM until the 2 PM funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Logan Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686.

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