Obituary of Leonard James Susalla

Leonard James Susalla, age 77, of The Villages, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 31, 2019 while under the care of hospice surrounded by his family.

Born September 2, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Lucian and Gertrude Susalla. On August 13, 1977, he married Patricia Susalla, and this year they would have celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary.

Leonard’s 30-year career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service took him from Michigan to California, Indiana, Georgia and Florida. In 2010, he retired as the field office director of the Jacksonville Field Office.

As accomplished as he was in his career, Leonard’s love of family was his greatest joy — his beloved wife, son and daughter and four grandchildren. He reveled in his role as a grandfather in his later years, doting on Evan, 10, and Ellie, 5, Darling, and Mason, 7, and Jack Susalla, 4.

Leonard leaves to cherish his life and memory his wife, Patricia Susalla; his children, Mary Beth (Nathan) Darling and Michael (Linsey) Susalla; grandchildren, Evan and Ellie Darling, and Mason and Jack Susalla; sisters Dr. Anne Susalla and Sr. Helen Susalla, SSJ; brothers, Robert (Margaret) Susalla and Gary (Claudia) Susalla. Leonard is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald Susalla.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 3-5 pm, with a prayer service at 4 pm, located at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral and Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 1 pm, located at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 5323 East County Road 462, Wildwood, FL. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Ocala.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Companions of Christ the Lamb, Rev. Jack Fabian, P.O. Box 12, Paradise, MI 49768 or The St. Vincent de Paul Building Fund, please make donation directly to the church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at hiers-baxley.com. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral and Cremation Life Event Center.