Obituary of Leon D. Moody

Leon D. Moody, 82, of Monroe passed away peacefully in a Bangor hospital on July 12, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Leon was born on April 18, 1931 to Harold and Lucy (Dickey) Moody of Monroe. The youngest of seven children, he was a self-described “country boy” who grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work but also got into his share of mischief. He graduated from Monroe High School, and later married Helen Stairs, his wife of 58 years. In 1966 he went to work at St. Regis (later Champion) paper mill in Bucksport, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement. He was a four year veteran of the U.S. Navy who took great pride in honoring his fellow veterans in Monroe's Memorial Day and Veterans' Day activities, and with the American Legion. For many years he performed maintenance for the town cemeteries, and was heavily involved with the restoration of the Civil War-era Soliders' Monument in the Monroe Village Cemetery. During his affiliation with the Odd Fellows Lodge he served on all of the chairs. He was devoted to his family and always provided whatever they needed from him, whether it was a ride to town or a direct, unfiltered opinion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, and especially working in his gardens, and was a devout fan of the Boston Red Sox. He loved to tease and poke fun, and had a sarcastic but jolly sense of humor that charmed everyone who knew him. Leon is predeceased by his parents and by his siblings: Alice, Elwin, Henry, Margaret, Maurice, and Wilmot. He is survived by his wife Helen; daughter Sally and husband Francis Cousins of Searsport; daughter Doreen Philbrick of Winterport; son Randy of Monroe; son Gregory and wife Danielle of Hamden, Conn.; grandchildren Jason and Darren Philbrick, Andrea (Cousins) Sorenberger and Travis Cousins, and John and Timothy Moody; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends are invited to a time of Visitation from 12-1 pm Saturday July 20, 2013 at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with refreshments following. Family and friends are invited to a time of Visitation from 12-1 pm Saturday July 20, 2013 at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with refreshments following.