Leo F. Slamin, Jr.

Leo F. Slamin, Jr, age 92, of Watertown, MA died peacefully on September 21st at New Horizons Assisted Living in Marlboro, MA. Leo was born in 1932, in Boston, MA, to Amanda (Sevigny) and Leo F. Slamin. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1950.

He is survived by his sister, Janet Cross, of Marlboro, MA. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Slamin, of Newton and Norma Hayden of Waltham. He lived in Watertown for his entire life, leaving only during his time in the Air Force when he was a member of the Air Force Band. 

Leo made his living working for the MBTA as an operator of buses, trolleys, and trains. But his passion was music. When he was a boy, Leo asked his mother for trumpet lessons. These lessons paved the way for his lifelong love of trumpet and Jazz music. Leo was an expert and a devotee of the Jazz greats. In his early years he enjoyed the thriving Jazz music clubs of Boston and New York and saw many of the great players perform live in concert. Chet Baker, whom Leo was proud to have met and chatted with, was a favorite. He was astounded by Baker’s talent. Leo said the way he played, so gentle and precise, ‘it was like the notes were dancing on eggshells.’ 

Leo also loved comedy and was quick with a joke and a self deprecating one-liner. We all came to know his routine of old Henny Youngman jokes and watched as others enjoyed these jokes for the first time. Even though we all knew most of the punchlines, we could enjoy his great comedic timing!

Leo was devoted to his family. First to his siblings whom he supported with his work and love as a young man. He was a loyal son to his mother whom he lived with until she died, also at age 92. To his nine nieces and nephews he was always ‘Uncle Leo’. He doted on them. And as they grew up and had children of their own he supported them and loved them and took pride in their accomplishments and families. 

In addition to leaving behind his sister, Janet Cross of Marlboro, MA. he leaves his nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews who also called him ‘Uncle Leo’ and laughed at his jokes and appreciated his endless support, his loving presence and his childlike silliness. 

May he rest in peace and love and music.

Family and friends will honor and remember Leo's life by gathering in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, September 26^th from 10 to 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Patrick's Church, 212 Main Street, Watertown where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am. Burial will follow in Newton Cemetery in Newton.