Ronald James Leach, 88 passed peacefully at the home of Elizabeth and Ronnie in Hampton, Virginia on Friday, November 24, 2017 surrounded by loving family.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 10 years Cynthia Whitley-Leach; children: Pauline Blachford and husband Axel; Elizabeth Rodriguez and Ronnie Plessinger; Anthony Leach; Bernadette Halford and husband Stan; Catherine Granger and husband Steve; stepson Matthew 'Eric' Jackson, and brother Ellis Leach.

Ten grandchildren: Lisa, Kimberly, Samantha, Melanie, Candi, Sarah, Melissa, Liam, Louise and Aiden. Fourteen great-grandchildren: Brandon, Ayanna, Eric, Olivia, Amalie, Oliver, Morgan, Alfie, Sam, Tyler, Kennedi, Sammy, Charlie and Louie. Four great-great-grandchildren: Alana, Phoenix, Noah, and Josiah.

Also, many cousins, nephews, and nieces in England, America, and Australia.

Born in Rochdale, England in 1929 he and his wife Mary Margaret (Peggy) emigrated to the US in 1976.  They lived in East Hartford, Connecticut before moving to Virginia where he resided for the past 34 years. He was predeceased by Peggy in 2001 after 51 years of marriage.

Ronnie was a very talented, learned man who held many high-level positions in the tool industry primarily as a fitter/welder. He was held in the highest regard by all his employers and co-workers. He had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children.

He had many hobbies and interests including crosswords, woodworking, visiting the beach, and watching his beloved New York Yankees play baseball. Ronnie loved to travel and besides the UK and USA, he visited Ireland, Germany, France, Canada, and Mexico.

The family will receive family and friends on Thursday November 30th, 2017 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at:

Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions

2609 Cunningham Drive

Hampton, VA 23666

Melanie and Anthony Ames will host a Celebration of Life at their home after the funeral gathering from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 16 Valirey Dr. Hampton, VA 23669.

A special thank you to all those involved in his care in the last month with particular thanks to Ronnie Plessinger, Melanie Ames, Sentara Careplex Hospital ICU, Sentara Careplex Hospital 5-James River West, and the Sentara Hospice Services Team.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:

Sentara Foundation-Hampton Roads

Sentara Hospice Services

6015 Poplar Hall Suite 308

Norfolk, VA 23502

Website for direct donations: https://www.tfaforms.com/385416

Email: Foundation@Sentara.com

Telephone:  757-455-7979