Leo Melena passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2011 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born March 22, 1927 in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Leonard and Antonia Melena.

Leo served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Leo was radio/air traffic controller aboard the USS Enterprise. He retired in 1974 on Whidbey Island and in 1976 moved his family to Port Orchard, Wash. In retirement, Leo was a recreational pilot and rented small planes at McChord Air Force Base so he could fly around Washington state. He also enjoyed gardening, golfing, woodworking, jewelry-making and ballroom dancing.

Leo leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Unnur; his children, Jon Rosant of Denmark, Patricia (Geoff) Calver of England, Danny Owens of Port Orchard, Therese Melena of Illinois, Valarie (Dan) Houk of Port Orchard, Tony Melena of Illinois, and Dana Owens of Belfair, Wash.; grandchildren, Crystal (Tony) Keller of Virginia, Danny (Anita) Owens, Jr., of North Carolina, Robert (Jaymi) Smith of Port Orchard, Melena Howard of Illinois, and Danielle Houk of Port Orchard; great-grandchildren, Hannah Jaimz and Bryanna Owens, both of North Carolina, Kaidance Moulton of Illinois, and Hunter, Hudson and Hawken Smith of Port Orchard; sister, Elizabeth and brother, Joseph, both of San Diego, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Antonia, brothers Richard and Robert, sister Margaret and son, Leo Randy Melena Jr.

Leo requested no service be held.