Leon Chaskes, age 90, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2016, at Florida Hospital—Winter Park. Mr. Chaskes was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Jan. 20, 1926, to the late Samuel and Fanny Mattis Chaskes. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, being discharged out of Fort Dix in 1946 with the rank of sergeant. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a degree in engineering.

Following graduation, Mr. Chaskes began his career working as an engineer for the U.S. Government at the Pentagon. He relocated from Washington, D.C., to the Orlando area in 1979 and began working for Martin Marietta. In 1988, in Orlando, Mr. Chaskes married the former Angela Homes, his wife of nearly 28 years who survives him. They made their home in Orlando and are long time members of Congregation Ohev Shalom.

In addition to Angela, Mr. Chaskes is also survived by her children, whom he considered as his own, son, Gordon Close of Atlanta; daughters, Deborah Homes, Lillian (Scott) Stroup, and Natalie (Kenneth) Davidson all of Mt. Dora; eight grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Mr. Chaskes was predeceased by a daughter, Ingrid; three sisters; and four brothers.

A funeral service was held at the Pavilion at Ohev Shalom Cemetery with Rabbi David Kay officiating. The family requests contributions in memory of Leon Chaskes to Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland 32751. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel. 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810.