Leo P. Parenteau

He was born in Manchester, NH on October 9th, 1917 and was the son of Eugene and Louise (Demers) Parenteau. He grew up in Manchester and surrounding New England towns.

After graduating from Manchester Central High School, he joined the Marines in May of 1938 as a member of the First Marine Division, 5th Marines where he served until September, 1945. An Expert Rifleman, he rose to the rank of Sergeant serving in the Headquarters and Intelligence Units in the South Pacific theater during World War II, seeing action in both the Guadalcanal campaign and the Battle of Cape Gloucester, New Britain. A trained draftsman, he became the first marine to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers, where he was enlisted to teach mathematics after returning from the war. He received the Good Conduct Medal as well as others for his military service.

Leo was a well-known and respected shoe designer in the New England shoe industry for over thirty years before retiring.

Following the death of his wife in 1999, Leo lived with his eldest daughter - the most recent five years in the Champlain Valley of Vermont. Leo enjoyed life and learning into his 90's. Among his many interests, he was a licensed ham radio operator (Kl SNY), a golfer with an enviable swing, and a stamp collector. Leo was a lifetime member of the Manchester American Legion Post 79.

Family members include; 2daughters, Nancy Parenteau, of Benson, VT, Laurie Parenteau Mothes, of Deerfield; two grandsons, Stephen and Brian Mothes; 2 nieces, and his beloved dog Jasper.

A Funeral Liturgy was held Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Rd. Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.