Donald James Leake

Donald James Leake passed away at the age of 64 on February 8, 2023, due to complications of Pneumonia.

Don was born June 25, 1958 to Woodrow W. Leake and Lana M. Leake in Dhaka, East Pakistan, where his father was on assignment in U.S. Foreign Service. In 1966, the family moved back to the United States, and he remained a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Maryland. 

He attended Walter Johnson High School and graduated in 1976. He went on to
study History at Wooster College in Ohio where he graduated in 1980. During high school and college, Don competed in wrestling, which led to a lifelong interest in MMA.

Don was employed for many years in the banking industry before he transitioned to C2 Education where he thoroughly enjoyed working as an SAT prep tutor in English. He tutored for a time until his health would not allow him to continue.

Don had a passion for History, something he and his mother both shared, and a great love of Classical music. He was an excellent pianist and composed music for friends and family. Don also loved literature and would often gift family members some of the ones he enjoyed the most. Don preferred “the classics” whether it was books, movies, or music.

In his latter years, he very much enjoyed the Facebook community and used it to share history, music and ideas with friends near and far. He always had a love for furry creatures, especially dogs, and would affectionately refer to his family’s dogs as his “neph-dogs”. He left a legacy of extensive family history of both Leake’s and Mirzayantz’s, handwritten in beautiful calligraphy, of genealogies, stories, and photos.

He was preceded by death by his parents, Woodrow & Lana Leake, and brothers, Woodrow W. Leake Jr. (Dub) and Thomas F. Leake and brother-in-law, William Bartels.

Don is survived by his sister, Diane Bartels, two sisters-in law, Pat Leake and Susan Leake, nieces, a nephew, and two grand nephews.

**Please check back for service information, services will be announced at a later date.