1924 – 2014

HARRISON — The Rev. Henry W. Leino, 89, of Harrison, died Friday, Oct. 31, in his home.

He was born in Harrison Nov. 28, 1924, the son of John and Hilda Leino.

He faithfully served his country in the 15th Air Corps in the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber, flying 50 missions. He received the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Distinguished Unit Citation.

He graduated from Suomi Theological Seminary and was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church in June 1953.

He married Miriam E. Suorsa of New Castle, Pa., on Sept. 5, 1953.

He served Trinity Lutheran in Thomaston; Lake Shore Parish in Chassel, Mich.; St. Paul Lutheran in Fitchburg, Mass., Zion Lutheran in Fairport, Ohio; Gloria Dei in Brooklyn, N.Y.; and St. John’s Lutheran in Middletown, N.Y., after which he retired home to Harrison. In his retirement, he never stopped preaching and serving.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam of Harrison; two sons, Mark and his wife, Mari, of Lewiston and Gerald and his wife, Miriam, of Newburgh, N.Y.; three daughters, Karen and husband, Dana Carlson, of New Gloucester, Mary and husband, Philip Mahder, of Hillsboro, Mo., and Diane and husband, Mark Lopez, of Lewiston; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Harold and Walter, both of Harrison; three sisters, Lila Butterfield of West Paris, Eila Makey of Stow, Mass., and Martha Leino of Harrison.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Matti, Arne, Lauri, Eugene, Arthur and Bruno; and his sisters, Helmi Leino and Lempi Heath.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.