WARE: Gene R. Leas, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois E. (Barre) Leas; his children: Michelle Letendre and her husband Michael of Ware, Jennifer Spencer and her husband Paul of Brookfield, William Leas and his wife Holly of Ware, Michael Leas and his wife Cindy of Texas, Jeannette Dilly-Leas of Hawaii and Daniel Roche of Ware; his grandchildren: Melody Spencer of Boston, Christian Spencer and his wife Kaitlyn of RI, Gabriel Letendre of Ware, Andrew Letendre of Ware, Miguel Leas of Texas, Miya Leas of Texas and Aleena Leas of Ware; a great-granddaughter Mila Spencer of RI; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his sweet dog Arlo. He is predeceased by his sisters: Lorena Gadbois and Wendy Daines.

Gene was born in Northampton the son of the late George H. and Lorraine B. (St. Laurence) Leas. He met and married Lois on September 14, 1970, and they settled in Warren where they built their family home and raised their family. Gene worked most of his career was with the Belchertown State School as a direct care worker until his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed building and construction projects, building their home with his brother-in-law he built a 3-car garage. He and Lois were longtime foster parents helping so many children live happy and healthy lives, including Michael and Jeannette who became their children. Their family was complete until Daniel became their last child. The family enjoyed numerous camping trips and visiting Clarks Trading Post. Gene always wanted to spend time with his kids and his grandkids, family was everything to him. All who knew and loved Gene will miss him dearly.

Services are private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory may be made to: Town of Ware Ambulance Services, 200 West Street, Ware, MA 01082