U.S. Army 1SG (Ret.) David LeRoy Lesser

U.S. Army 1SG (Ret.) David LeRoy Lesser passed away on June 27, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children as he went to be with the Lord.

David was born March 29, 1955 in Munhall, Pennsylvania to Buddy LeRoy Lesser and Eleanor Margaret (Milko) Lesser. David met his loving wife of 37 years, Karen (Molnar) while they were stationed together at Wilkin Barracks in Kornwestheim, Germany. Their love and devotion to each other led to raising five children: Kimberly (Cesar) Hernandez, Paul LeRoy (Devin) Lesser, Valerie (Anthony) DiMarco, Zachary David (Elizabeth Reich-) Lesser, and Nicholas (Britney) Lesser. Not only did they love their children, but he shared a passion for loving animals, especially his three fur babies, Bella, Gracie, and Mia.

David enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974; he was decorated and served valiantly all over the world in his twenty-three-and-a-half-year career. He was involved in Operation DESERT STORM where he earned a Bronze Star. In his Army tenure, he earned several accolades, including the Army Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (6), Joint-Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal (7), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 Campaign bronze stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Canadian Jump Wings, Expert Marksmanship, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster, and Master Jump Instructor.

He epitomized being a servant leader not only in the military but in the communities of Clarksville, Tennessee and Erie, Pennsylvania as a member of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and an active patron of the Kiwanis in Waterford, Pennsylvania.

Proceeded in death by his father, Buddy Lesser; mother, Eleanor (Milko) Lesser; step-father, Frank Lucas; mother-in-law, Rose Marie Molnar; and brother-in-law, Christopher Molnar.

He is survived by his father-in-law, Michael Molnar; siblings, Diane Resetar, Denise Owens, Donald (Sheri) Lesser; as well as his sisters-in-law, Natalie (John W.) Huegel, Julia (Robert) Olson, Kathleen (Duane) Adams; his most precious blessings and proudest admirers, his grandchildren, Joseph Dery, Kylie Lesser, Madison Lesser, Liam Cerda, Payton DiMarco, Lilly Lesser, Rosemarie Lesser, Haylie DiMarco, Carter Reich-Smith, Vivian Reich-Smith, Esme Lesser, Hollis Lesser,  Nicholas “Wilks” Lesser; and many nieces and nephews.

David will be returning home to be laid to rest with his brothers and sisters in arms at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania on 11 July 2024 at 10:30 AM, where he will receive full military honors. Please arrive at the Cemetery no later than 10:15 AM. Services will be followed by a reception at Mifflin Social Club in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120. Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.

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