KILEY, Leo R.
Age: 83
Mattawan, MI
Formerly of Whitehall, MI
Leo passed away at his daughter and son-in-law's home home in Mattawan with his family by his side on Monday, October 29, 2012. Leo was born September 24, 1929 in El Paso, TX to the late Leo and Louise (Murray) Kiley. After graduating high school he earned his Bachelor's Degree from Illinois Tech where he had a full Naval scholarship and played college basketball. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy Submarine Service during the Korean War. He was an avid runner and loved the Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame football. Leo was named Big Brother of the Year in Muskegon in 1991 and was a huge supporter for the Right to Life of Michigan and was a devoted Catholic, attending mass daily. More than anything he loved his children and grandchildren, especially teaching his grandkids songs. On June 5, 1954 in Philadelphia, PA Leo was united in marriage to his best friend and devoted wife of 58 years, Claire (McDonnell) Kiley, who survives. Also surviving are his children and grandchildren, son, Dr. Kevin & Ruth Kiley (Claire, Jack, Brendan, Dominic (Lizzie), Marylou, Brigid & Mike); daughter, Kate & Chris Glatt (Sarah, Paul, Kevin & Andrew); daughter, Jen & Brett Hoseth (Shane, Sabrina & Eva); daughter, Maryclaire & Troy Pelak (Molly, Joe, Katie, Gabe, Maria, Matthew, Luke, Margaret, Cecilia, John & Annemarie); sister, Marylou & Kathy West; lifelong friend John (Maggie) Quinn. Family will receive friends on Friday (11/2) from 10-11 a.m. at the St. James Catholic Church, Montague, MI where the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Fr. Donn Tufts officiating. Interment will follow, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Montague, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Catholic Church building fund (5149 Dowling St., Montague, MI 49437) or Right to Life Michigan, (2340 Porter St. SW, P.O. Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509)