THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Friday, August 31, 2007


Funeral services for Leonard Henderson Sperry. Jr., who went to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 28. 2007, at 1:45 p.m., will be held 2 p.m. today (Friday, August 31) at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Flagler Palms Cemetery, Flagler Beach.

Mr. Sperry was born May 18, 1928, in Syracuse, N.Y. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then married his sweetheart, Edith A. VanDeWalker. He began his career as a draftsman with General Electric in 1946. In 1964, the family was transferred to Cape Canaveral, Fla., where he worked on the Gemini and Apollo Space Programs. Leonard was especially proud of Apollo 11 space mission and the United States moon landing. His name, along with thousands of other contributors to that mission, is buried in a time capsule on the surface of the moon. He retired from General Electric after 43 proud years of service.

Leonard was predeceased by his wife of nearly 40 years, Edith, who died tragically and unexpectedly. He later was introduced to and married a member of his church, Frances Ice. They enjoyed traveling, going out to dinner, and serving their church. Leonard sang in the church choir most of his adult life and also served in administrative positions. He was a member of Riverview United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; his daughter, Deborah Zaleski and her husband Randy, Ormond Beach; son, David, Ormond Beach; and his sister, Suzanne, Altamonte Springs. He also leaves behind the seven grandchildren he loved so much, Faith Anne, Chad, David, Jr.. Nicole, Jordan, Colt and Zachery.

The last 22 months of his life he found great joy in spending time with his new great-grandchild, Taylor James, who affectionately called him "Pa."

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Halifax Habitat for Humanity, 826 White St., Daytona Beach, FL 32117 or NEW Missions in Haiti, P.O. Box 2727, Orlando, FL 32802-2727.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 North Nova Rd., Ormond Beach.