Leo C. Ransone

Ransone, Leo C., 74, of Absecon, departed this life on June 19, 2021. A Richmond, Va. native, he is survived by his lifelong partner, Sandy Shinsato, also of Absecon/Hawaii. He is also survived by two sisters, both of Richmond, JoAnn Ransone McNabb (Jim) and Patricia Ransone Parnell (Wayne). Other living relatives include nephew Jason Wooddy, great nephews, Micah Wooddy and Jackson Wooddy, all of Richmond, his niece Haylie, sister-in-law Terri, brother-in-law Bryan (Debbie), all of Hawaii, and numerous cousins. A graduate of Hermitage High School (’65) and Richmond Polytechnic Institute (’70, Phi Delta Omega), Leo worked most of his career in the food and beverage industry. He started as a bartender with Hyatt Hotels in Richmond, Va., then as Asst. Executive Steward at the Grand Hyatt in New York. He transferred as the Beverage Manager to Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Hawaii, where he and Sandy met. From there he moved on to New Jersey where he worked in food and beverage for Caesars Casino, sales at Jaydor Wine Distributors and as the Private Event Maitre d’ for Ram’s Head Inn.

Whenever Leo started a new endeavor, he threw himself into it with a passion. When he was in wine sales, he traveled to Italy and France to check out the vines. He tried catering for a while, and he took his cooking skills very seriously, mastering the art of making a true French demi-glace from scratch…nothing from a box for Leo.

In his final years, Leo became a theologian, immersing himself in scripture and theology to fuel his work with the homeless, the poor and marginalized. He devoted his time and resources to helping families secure housing, delivering food, providing rides, and being a father-figure to those most in need of support. To those whom others might overlook, he was known as Pastor Leo.

As an elder at Absecon Presbyterian Church, he taught bible studies, preached, and led the Mission/Evangelism Committee. He loved to share his faith and teach, seeking to help others understand the hope we have in the God revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was Leo’s faith that led him into action to reflect the self-giving love of God through the ministry of reconciliation.

Leo will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his deep love for his family and his steadfast support of his friends. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service for Leo will be at 2PM on Saturday, June 26, at Absecon Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Ave., Absecon, with a public gathering beginning at 1PM. Masks will be required, Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and casual dress recommended. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Absecon Presbyterian Church. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.