Leon Wilensky the father of former Mustang Club President Steve Wilensky passed away last Saturday. Mr. Wilensky was a pleasure to run into at SMU events because he was always so cheerful and personable. The Mustangs are sure going to miss such a great and loyal fan as Leon Wilensky. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve and the rest of the family.
Leon Wilensky
Wilensky, Leon Died Saturday, Sept. 5. Born July 23, 1924 in Dallas, TX, to Ukrainian and Lithuanian Jewish immigrants, Sarah and Sam Wilensky. Leon grew up loving his country, his high school, Forest Ave. High, his SMU Mustangs, and especially his girlfriend, Hazel Davidson. That latter love would so define him, that he married Hazel in 1946 as soon as he returned from his tour of duty during World War II. For more than 40 years, he was a builder of fine, quality homes in the Dallas area, each of which crafted as if monuments. Yet he always felt that his true calling was that of a teacher and indeed he spent 18 years, from Reinhardt Elem. to Bryan Adams High teaching American and English history. Leon taught differently than most, believing that the essence and meaning of history were far more important to learn than dates and places. And he was most proud of the fact that several of his former students told him that he was their inspiration for entering the teaching profession. He was also defined by his faith and was a member of St. John's Epis. Church for more than 56 years. He was a man of principle and stood by his convictions regardless of outcome. This was the essence of the man and this is what he passed on to his sons, Steve and Dan. Leon is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Hazel, sons Steve Wilensky, his wife, Mary Ellen, their daughters, Sara and Laura and Dan Wilensky, his wife Carol, and daughters, Amie and Katie, brother, Eddie Wills, sister Helen Tracey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Most important to him, he ascends to be wth his Lord. There will be a private burial. A Memorial service will be held at St. John's Episopal Church, 10:30 a.m., Sat., Sept. 12. Leon wanted the service to end in time for him to see SMU's game against UAB. Donations may be made to St. John'sHarvest Outreach, the SMU Mustang Club, or the Holocaust Museum.
http://www.legacy.com/dallasmorningnews/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=132570724
