Ronald F. Leap

Ronald Francis Leap, age 81, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on July 13, 1942, in Williamsport, PA, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, in St. Peters, MO.

Ron worked for Solutia, Inc., for many years as a plant manager. He was very successful in his career. Ron was an avid sports lover and especially enjoyed playing golf. He and his wife Bea were constantly on the golf course and both loved watching golf too, along with baseball, football, and basketball.  

Although Ron was raised in the Catholic religion, he was confirmed in the Armenian Apostolic faith when he married Bea. After completing intensive deacon training in the Armenian faith, Ron served on the altar at Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church in Swansea, IL, for many years. He was very devoted to the Armenian church and served many roles besides deacon, including building/maintenance manager, Parish Council chairman, volunteer baker, and choir member. When Holy Shoghagat was being built in Swansea, Ron was on the Architectural Committee and was instrumental in overseeing the construction. In fact, Ron and his dad built the cabinets for the kitchen one summer when his dad was in town.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Norsigian Leap; his first wife, Elizabeth Karen Pfeiffer; his parents, Cyril John and Mary Olene, nee Diehl, Leap; his sister, Mary Jo Leap; and three brothers-in-law, Hrant and Vaharam Norsigian and their wives, Arec and Dorothy, and Harry Vartanian.

He is survived by his two daughters, Terri Jo Leap and Staci Ann Leap; two granddaughters, Maddison Elizabeth Leap and Alexis Ann Leap; his sister-in-law, Mary Vartanian; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church in Swansea, IL, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Shoghagat Church, 400 Huntwood Road, Swansea, IL. A private graveside ceremony will be held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL, where Ron will be buried next to his wife, Bea.

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