Obituary
David Michael Leeman passed away on July 9, 2020, a week after his 65th birthday, in Saint Cloud, Florida. Born in 1955 in Georgia to Kenneth Barker Leeman and Irene Blume Leeman, he spent much of his life in Westwood and Emerson New Jersey, before moving to Harmony, Florida in 2004.
Dave, as most knew him, served in the Navy after some college, and worked in several industries over his working life, including building, printing, and information technology. He was an avid reader and gamer, particularly enjoying a variety of board and card games, especially Advanced Squad Leader. Dave was a fan of old movies, science fiction, and had read widely about World War II. In youth, he played basketball often with his brothers, and continued playing “pick-up games” until his knees no longer cooperated. One of Dave’s favorite activities was singing in church choir, which he started in his teens and continued until shortly before his passing.
He was an animal lover and rescued many a stray dog as well as other animals and was very devoted to his own dogs and horses. He loved introducing other people to the horses, especially children, and sharing their special wisdom and energy. Dave was someone who spoke his mind, a trait that many people have said they admired about him. He had a wonderful and active sense of humor that brought levity to almost any situation.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Kerul Kassel, his sister Lucille Connolly, brother Ken and his wife Barbara, brother Dennis and his wife Patti, brother James and his wife Barbara, as well as nieces and nephews Jeanine, Renee, Megan, Joe, Katyi, Chris, and Matthew, and 7 grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Violet and Serafina, and his horses Goldilocks, Dakota, Kody, and Tuck.
Two memorial services will be held, one in Harmony, Florida, the other in Paramus, New Jersey, after the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. Donations may be made to First Nature Foundation (www.FirstNatureFoundation.org) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org).
We hope brighter days are on their way.
Much love from France...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to you. I wish you all the strength in the coming days
Be blessed and stay well and safe.
Rashida Tewarson
RIP
Our deepest condolences. Dave is missed by so many of us. The opportunity you both gave Lauren with the horses will always be cherished! Praying for your continued strength in this difficult time.
So very fond of dogs
Dave with Mimi and Findlay
Bareback on a pedestal.
Waving “Hi”
Dave and Darla
At Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy
On our honeymoon
Dave loved dogs, even on our honeymoon in Italy
Dave and niece Megan
Wedding kiss
Favorite Wedding shot
Ahoy, matey. Dave and Lester.
Dave loves kids.
Dave loved letting kids enjoy the horses.
Dave loved playing cello for trick or treaters on Halloween.
Dave at the dog park
One of Dave’s favorite pictures of himself. Art by professional body painter Susan McNeely
As pirates on the only cruise we ever took together.
Dave and Katyi, his niece and goddaughter.
Dave and his siblings. Can you guess which one he is?(Hint: He was an affectionate guy ).
Junior Submariner Dave.
Dave in the US Navy on his aircraft carrier tower
Church photo of Dave
Dave and Janey
Dave and Goldi in the sun
Dave and Goldi in a round pen
Dave and Goldi
Dave and Kerul with Goldi and Venus 2008
Kerul and Dave in Harmony, 2006
Kerul and Dave as pirates on a Disney cruise
Dave with Gracie and her littermates (what joy!)
Dave and Gracie as a puppy in the Catskills
Dave and Janey at Halloween
Dave and Gracie
Dave and Gracie at her first Christmas (2003)
Dave and Gracie on her first birthday (2004)
Dave and dear Gracie
Dave with Goldi having fun
Dave and Goldi in 2009
Dave and Goldi on a ride
Dave and Kerul's 20th anniversary trip