Leroy F. Collingwood 1935-2024

Born April 24, 1935, in Youngstown, Leroy was the son of Leroy Sr. and Violet Francis Collingwood. He spent his formative years in Struthers and graduated from Struthers High School as part of the Class of 1955. Following his graduation, Leroy began a long and dedicated career as a carpenter with Howard Linsenbigler Construction. His journey was interrupted in 1958 when he was drafted into the United States Army, proudly serving stateside in Virginia until being honorably discharged in 1959. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve until July 1964.

Upon returning home, Leroy rejoined Howard Linsenbigler Construction, where his skilled craftsmanship contributed significantly to the development of numerous homes in the neighborhoods west of the Fifth Street Plaza in Struthers and on Sigle Lane in Poland. In the early 1960s, he partnered with close friend, Joseph DiCesare, to establish P&M Construction, where they worked together for 25 rewarding years until Leroy’s retirement in 1989.

A master woodworker, Leroy took immense pleasure in spending time in the garage alongside his father crafting beautiful cabinetry and exquisite grandfather clocks. An avid collector, he had a particular fondness for N gauge train sets. Always a dog lover, Leroy had many dogs throughout his life and most recently enjoyed the companionship of his granddogs, Daisy and Bailey. His generous spirit extended into the community as he dedicated his time and efforts to various causes, volunteering extensively with the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Stambaugh, for the Kids Town Playground at Boardman Park and extensively to the Boardman Community Baseball “Field of Dreams.”

Leroy’s greatest source of joy was his family. He met the love of his life, Karen Podwils, on a blind date in 1961, and they exchanged vows May 12, 1962. Their honeymoon took place at his cherished destination, Williamsburg, Virginia, and they later established their family home on Sigle Lane in the house that Leroy built with love. As a dedicated parent and grandparent, Leroy was actively involved in his children’s lives, serving as a Boardman band parent and instilling in them the values of volunteering. He shared precious memories with his grandchildren, two of whom proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with his guidance and support during their Eagle Scout projects. The grandsons fondly remember sleepovers, setting up Christmas train displays, adventurous trips to Williamsburg and Disney World, and cherished moments spent sitting on the back porch with a beloved grandpa who truly cared.

Leroy is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; his son, Lee Robert Collingwood of Youngstown; two grandsons, Zane Welch of Austintown and Seth (Allison) Welch of Round Rock, Texas; and former son-in-law, Andrew (Linda) Welch of Boardman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Kalynn Welch; and his grandson, Zachary Welch.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, with a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Leroy will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Ohltown United Methodist Church, 2001 Ohltown Road, Mineral Ridge, OH 44440; or to Camp Stambaugh, 3712 Leffingwell Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

(special notice)