Spencer Leak Jr., the vice president of Chicago’s Leak and Sons Funeral Homes who was a well-known business leader and a longtime community leader, has died, family said.
Leak was one of three sons of Spencer Leak Sr. Relatives confirmed his passing, but details weren’t immediately available.
Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, a longstanding Chicago institution with locations in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood and Country Club Hills, has been widely recognized for its commitment to community service and often refusing to turn people away based on financial difficulties. Most recently, Leak Jr. and his team handled the funeral and homegoing services for Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died in February.
Following Leak’s passing, tributes have poured in from local officials, community leaders and members of the funeral industry.
“You gave your best, when familes were at their worst……You gave your best, and it brought the best out of Chicago…….” 6th Ward Ald. William Hall said in a Facebook post. “God gave us one of the best, rest well Spencer Leak Jr….”
Chicago’s Pettway Funeral Services said on Facebook Leak’s “impact extended far beyond the walls of his funeral home.”
“Through his guidance, example, and willingness to invest in others, he helped shape the next generation of funeral service professionals,” the business said, in part.
