Leon J. Ace

Leon J. Ace of Lake Winola died Tuesday afternoon at the Allied Skilled Nursing Unit in Scranton. His wife, the former Caroline C. Craft, died in 2007.

A lifelong resident of Lake Winola, son of the late Jacob and Angeline Smith Ace, he was a truck driver for Oneida Motor Freight for 25 years, during which time he was awarded the Mack One Million Mile Award. After retirement, he continued to drive a school bus, as well as for various charter bus companies in the area. He was a lifelong member of the Lake Winola Fire Company and Lake Winola United Methodist Church. He was an active member of Lake Winola Lions Club, holding many offices, including past president, and also a retired member of the Teamsters Union locals 707 and 229. He was a social member of the VFW 7069 for many years.

Leon was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his children, nephews and grandchildren. He enjoyed all aspects of Lake Winola, including boating, fishing and ice skating. In his younger years, he was a member of Lake Winola's ice hockey team.

Leon was a grown man that wore his heart on his sleeve for those he loved, and displayed his emotions freely and without shame; it is a quality about him that will be deeply missed. He was wise, wonderful, compassionate, understanding, gentle, a listener and advisor, tough, fun loving and the best daddy, grandpa and uncle ever. He will be forever in our blood and in our hearts.

Surviving are four daughters, Patricia Pate, Philadelphia; Paula Pate Schloder, Lake Winola; Terri and husband, Michael Lehnert, Lake Winola; and Cheryl Rightor, Dalton; a son, James and wife, Sharon Pate, Browns Mills, N.J. ; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Hunt Quick; and brothers, Charles and Lester Hunt.

Leon's family would like to thank all those who gave him so much loving, compassionate care over the past few years, especially VNA Hospice and Luzerne and Wyoming County Area on Aging.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. from the Lake Winola United Methodist Church, Route 2019, Lake Winola, with services by the Rev. Joan Dodson, pastor. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, and Friday from 10 until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to VNA Hospice and Home Health, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.