Obituary of Philip Leccese

PHILIP LECCESE 1931-2021 PHILIP LECCESE passed away in Gananoque, ON January 30, 2021 with his beloved wife and best friend of 35 years, Jean Macintosh, by his side. Proud and loving father of daughters, Kathleen, and Sheri (Maurice) and sons, Robert, and Andrew (Hanene), Cherished grandfather of Summer (Paul), Ashley (Louis), Amanda (Jamaal), Christopher, Alex and Sarah and Great Grandfather to Sophia, Ella, Evie and Henri. Phil is survived by his brother Albert and former wife and mother of his children, Betty Leccese. He was predeceased by his parents, Lazzare and Antonietta Leccese, brothers Andrew and Louis, and sister Lena. He will be forever thought of fondly by his stepson, Craig (Charlene), his nephews Richard, Frank and David and niece, Rosanne as well as many cousins in Canada and in Italy. He will be remembered by friends and family for his joie de vivre, his bear hugs, and his adventurous spirit. Phil was an entrepreneur, a builder, a businessman, an outdoorsman, a ski instructor, and a mountaineer. Proud of his Italian heritage, he was an aficionado of all things Italian including but not limited to Italian food, wine and coffee. His favorite among their many travels were the two trips he & Jean took to Italy, exploring the country from top to bottom. Phil was born in Ville Emard, QC . He played semi-pro football as a young man and began a career with Bell before opening “Phil’s Pro Ski Shop” and a very active ski school in St. Bruno, QC. A visit to Banff in the early 1970’s ignited his love for the mountains and he subsequently moved there, first entering a partnership with the Martin Horse Stables and then in the later 70’s he and his brother opened a successful Italian restaurant. After retiring from the restaurant business, Phil built a residence and apartment dwelling in Banff that over the years was a transitory home to young adventurers from all over the world. Phil & Jean met skiing at Sunshine Village in Banff in 1984. After a 2-year courtship, half spent in the city and half in the mountains, Jean moved from Edmonton to Banff and the independent strong-willed Scot and the hot-blooded recalcitrant Italian began a rocky relationship (no pun intended) and, despite themselves, love prevailed over 35 years. They were hosts to countless friends and family who were awakened early by the sound of Phil’s noisy coffee grinder, then fortified by his famous colossal pancakes, before hitting the ski slopes or hiking trails. Phil, Jean and their Airedale, Ruby, moved to Gananoque in 2008 to be closer to family; although Phil left part of his heart in the mountains, returning to Banff to ski with friends up to and including his 80" year. Much appreciation and heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Carveth Care Center for their kindness and compassionate Care. Donations of sympathy can be made if desired to a charity of your choice. Due to present Covid restrictions, a service and celebration of life will occur at a later date to be announced by the family.