Leon John Zochowski, 94, passed away on the morning of December 4, 2016 at the Holyoke Medical Center.  He was the beloved husband of Florence Kolak Zochowski.           He lived his life with faith, love, and conviction.  He was a parishioner of St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley for  55 years, was married for 64 years, and was dedicated to community service as a member of the South Hadley Lion's Club for 39 years. He was honored to be named a Melvin Jones Fellow in 2011. Father to three children, Kathleen Magoon, Christine Gallagher of Jacksonville, Florida, and Matthew Zochowski, he was also the grandfather of four, Chelsea and Dylan Magoon and Kaylee and Mitchell Gallagher.  He is survived by his son-in-law, John Magoon and his son-in-law David Gallagher and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed at the wedding of his granddaughter, Chelsea, to Scott May in July.  He took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and could often be seen at Chelsea's horse shows and Dylan's baseball games.  Additionally, he was an avid supporter of Matthew's participation in the Special Olympics. His favorite saying to his children and grandchildren was to "Shoot for the moon!" He was a resident of South Hadley for 56 years, where he raised his family, and was surrounded by his loving and devoted neighbors. The youngest of seven siblings, he was predeceased by his brothers John and Alec, and his sisters Michaeline Finik, Josephine Petroski, Edna Ambrose, and  Sabina Parker. Leon never lost his independence, and could always be found working in his yard or in his workshop in his basement.  As recently as two weeks ago, he raked his entire front lawn. He always lived his life to the fullest and was an active participant in his church and community until the time of his death. He was a veteran of the US Navy, and achieved the rank of Gunner's Mate Second Class.  During his service, Leon was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He was particularly proud of his duty aboard the USS Schroeder.  As a shipmate of that destroyer, Leon saw wide-ranging action in the Mediterranean, Southwest Pacific, and Pacific areas of operation.  In 2010, he was recognized for this service and went to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight New England. In March, he was honored to be the Parade Marshall for the South Hadley contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade and always looked forward to building the yearly parade floats with his dear friends David Daly, William Schenker, and Douglas Percy.  Leon and Florence traveled widely and enjoyed family summer vacations in Maine and Cape Cod.  Leon loved clam chowder and enjoyed going to the "steakhouse" for a good hamburger. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing and watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He was employed at the Springfield Armory and was an inspector with the Department of Defense from 1948-1979,  receiving many accolades for his work.  He later retired from American Saw in East Longmeadow in 1988. Leon's family is grateful to the dedicated and compassionate staff at the Holyoke Medical Center.  His family would also like to extend their gratitude to Father Michael Twohig of St. Theresa's Parish. The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 11 am at St. Theresa's Church. Burial at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts will be private. Calling hours at the CURRAN-O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME will be Wednesday 4:00 to 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Hadley Lions Club or St. Theresa's Church. For more details please go to curranobrien.com.