Leonard F. Dube passed suddenly from this life to his eternal home on January 31, 2017 in Sebastian, Florida surrounded by his loving family and friends. "Doob" was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Laurent P. and Alice (Slaney) Dube.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. After completing active duty, he joined the Army Reserve and studied at the University of Connecticut. During his time in the Army, he served during the Korean war on a landing ship tank. Dube then transitioned into the United States Air Force and worked as a Combat Controller during the Vietnam War. Throughout his military profession, he completed 50 plus jumps as a paratrooper in numerous countries around the world.
He retired his 39-year military career as a Chief Master Sergeant after serving during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as an Air Transportation Manager for the 439th Combat Support Squadron in the United States Air Force.
Awards and Decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with one device, USAF Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with bronze conduct knots, USAF Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Ribbon with four devices, National Defense Service Ribbon with gold star device, Medal of Merit, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one device, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with bronze star device, and the Army Service ribbon.
As a civilian, Dube was a member of the United Auto Workers. He climbed from shop steward to chief steward, was an active member in union affairs and believed in fighting for the rights of his fellow workers. He dedicated 20 plus years to the UAW and retired there as an international representative.
Dube's retired life was anything but quiet. He devoted his blood, sweat and tears to ensure Veterans in both Connecticut and Florida would receive their deserved dignified final honors.
As the director of the City of Torrington's Veterans' Service Office and military museum, he presided over 6,000 military funerals. His mission as director was to provide services to veterans and their families from "the cradle to the grave". He carried out this mission with the help of two other veterans by creating a local cable TV program called "Veterans' Views" where he provided information regarding access to benefits and other military assistance programs.
He truly felt his mission was accomplished when he went to Torrington city officials to advocate for an extra $10,000 tax exemption for the veterans of Torrington and won.
In addition to the volunteer work for veterans, he was a Chaplain with the Universal Life Church, and performed marriages of his children, grandchildren and friends as well as a baptism for his great-grandson. He was an avid member of the VFW and the American Legion and the American Legion riders. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles and walking with his rescue dogs, Marvin and Petey.
He was pre-deceased by his dear sons Laurent and Dennis Dube.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and life partner Marilyn A. Dube of 28 years, who together traveled the world, parachuted out of airplanes and raised a family all while serving their country for 66 years collectively. He also leaves behind his former wife Jean Rourke and husband Jim and his loving brother Ron Dube and sister Janice (Dube) Nelson and husband Todd.
He is survived by his loving children Laurie (Dube) Knotowicz and husband Gary, and David Dube and wife Ava. In addition to his children, he is survived by his step-children Dawn DeAngelis and husband Kevin, Angelo Luchi, Anthony Luchi and wife Danielle.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Mark Knotowicz and wife Melissa, Matthew Knotowicz and wife Cristy, Daniel Dube and wife Stefanie, David Dube and wife Megan, Tiffany (Dube) Prosio and husband Drew and Whitney Dube along with his loving great-grandchildren Ezra, Shay, and twins Silas and Abel Knotowicz, Colton, Virginia, and Jacob Dube and soon to be great-granddaughter Prosio. His step-grandchildren Megan Finke and her husband Lee Finke Jr, Alesandria Battaglino, Ethan Corkins and Lena Luchi and a great-grandson Ryder Finke. His circle includes many wonderful nieces and nephews, extended family and countless friends and comrades both in Connecticut and Florida.
His family would like to extend a special thanks to his Goddaugher Darlene Gerardi, husband Bill, Francine Winans and family for their love and support.
Leonard Dube was a selfless and kind-hearted man who spread joy to everyone he came across. He will truly be missed.