Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Leo E. Palensky, 91, a 37-year resident of Davidsonville and previously of Bowie, MD, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2017 surrounded by his family at his home.  Born on May 20, 1925 in Omaha, NE to the late Joseph and Agnes Palensky, Leo grew up in Tabor, SD.  

After graduating from high school, Leo completed a year of college studies and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 to fight for his country.  He was a radarman stationed in the Pacific aboard the destroyer U.S.S. McDermut DD677.  Leo participated in the Leyte operation and Battle of Surigao Strait which were instrumental in defeating the Japanese Naval fleet.  In recognition of his actions, Leo was awarded 4 campaign ribbons, 10 Bronze Engagement Stars and the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon.  
Returning to civilian life in 1946, Leo completed his college studies and, in 1949, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota.  He partnered with his father and brothers the next year in managing J.E. Palensky & Sons Oil Exploration and Production where Leo served as comptroller for the next 10 years.  In 1960, Leo moved to New Mexico to begin a Federal career in financial management with the U.S. Forest Service.  He later relocated to Washington, DC to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by the Action/Peace Corps, and finally the U.S. Department of Commerce where he finished his career and retired in 1986.
Leo was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville where he volunteered as an extraordinary minister and usher and as a member of the weekly collection counting team.  He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, U.S.S. McDermut Reunion Association and Tin Can Sailors Association.

An avid sports fan, Leo especially loved baseball.  In college, he pitched for the University of South Dakota and later for the mid-west semi-pro leagues.  Leo regularly followed the Washington Nationals and Maryland Terps.  He also enjoyed cooking and fishing.  His greatest passion though was his family to whom Leo was devoted.
In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Kay Van Slyke and Teresa Palensky; and his brothers, Joseph and Fred Palensky.  He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Judy Palensky; four children from his former marriage to the late Catherine Erickson: Daniel (Lynn) Palensky of Chantilly, VA, Angela (Mark Warchol) Palensky of Bradenton, FL, Michael (Wendy) Palensky of Huntingtown, MD, and David (Susie) Palensky of Moncks Corner, SC; a sister-in-law, Cathie Palensky; six grandsons, Clint Jones, Kris and Kevin Palensky, David Palensky, Jr., Matthew Brady and Daniel Kotler; 13 granddaughters, Krista Vasquez, Carrie Harlow, Kelley Brittingham, Shelley Feazel, Sara Paulino and Kylee, Brianne, Hailey, Emily, Madison, Meghan, Michelle and Molly Palensky.  He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Leo’s life from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035.  Interment will follow at 2:30pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holy Family Catholic Church (please designate St. Vincent de Paul Society in the memo section) or to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.

Online condolences and tributes may be offered at: www.KalasFuneralHomes.com


Leo E. Palensky

Leo E. Palensky

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