Neil Joseph LeSage

Neil LeSage a.k.a 'the painter" of Mesa, Arizona succumbed to his battle with pleural mesothelioma cancer surrounded by his family in his home peacefully @ 2:22am on 07/22/17 @ the age of 72. Neil's initial diagnosis was on 08-06-2006 where doctors originally gave him a prognosis of 6mo. -1 yr to live. Unwilling to accept such an early departure; Neil fought the battle of his life & we were blessed to keep him with us for another decade. Neil was born to Leona & Edward LeSage in Milwaukee Wis their 2nd son & is pre deceased by his brother David, and sister Barbara (Richard) Klaeser. Neil is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Gabriele, Son Brian (Deborah) LeSage, Daughter Renee (Curt) Stewart & Granddaughter's Darian Renee, Briana Renee, Grand son Kyle LeSage, Brother Pierre (Judy) LeSage, nieces, nephews & many dear lifelong friends. Neil graduated from Riverside High school & obtained his painters apprentice on 05-26-66. He co-owned Klaeser-LeSage painting/wall paper hanging company with his brother in law Richard (Dick) Klaeser in Wisconsin for 20 years. In 1986, Neil decided he had enough of the cold weather & packed up the family to move to Mesa AZ where he spent the last 32 years living happily with his wife & family. He worked for the ballpark & was always known to be the best "absentee painter" around. He was an extremely talented painter & a perfectionist. 'if you want it done right, give me the brush/roller" was one of his favorite quotes. Neil had a charismatic personality & was always a fun guy to be around. He gravitated to people & would routinely strike up a conversation with a stranger no matter where he was. He Loved to tell jokes & always made you smile & feel good. Neil was the worlds best "papa" to his grandkids & dedicated loving Dad to his kids. He spent his life working side jobs on top of his full time job to be sure his family was well taken care of & he always went above and beyond to be sure they all knew how much he loved them. Neil traveled the world going on many cruises & trips with his wife, family, & friends. He enjoyed baseball, fishing, golfing, country music, concerts, dancing, old cars, boating, snowmobiling, gambling, movies, fine dining & a good perch Friday fish fry @ Sluggos (Aka Diamonds) Of course, he loved his wife's home made cooking the best. Roladen & pasties were his two top picks. Neil was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mesa AZ until he passed & an active member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin for 16 yrs prior. Memories: He took a red eye flight from Az to Pa by himself upon hearing his first born grandson had arrived. He was told "he's sleeping, don't u dare wake him up" And of course he had selective hearing when it came to anyone telling him what to do, so he marched right past Sheila (Mom) upstairs to Kyle's room & picked him up from his crib saying "I want to meet my grandson". When his Minnie Minnie haha (1st grand daughter) Darian was born, he came immediately upon getting the news she had arrived, in his painters clothes with a huge 10 ft. banner he had typed up at work that read "Hey, Did you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world?.....and if u did was she crying.....crying?" And he pinned it up in the birthing room at the hospital. He was so excited & proud to hold his 1st grand baby girl, Darian Renee. Their beautiful, strong bond began the first day he held her in his arms & she cherished him with all her heart. He was her #1! For Always He was always doing the coolest things for his loved ones & people he cared about. He loved to share beers with his pals on Lake Powel (Donny). He would reminisce with his sons Godfather Bill & Nancy Majewski, his great Canadian Comrade Dennis (Margie) whom drove 1860 miles in 1.5 days to say their last good byes to Neil. The look in His eyes when they arrived at his bedside left not a dry eye in the house. Neil & his faithful ballpark buddy Kevin, would talk for hours about anything & everything always having a great time. Neil said the surprise early bday party Jerry & Joan Colangelo had for him in their home this past year was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for him & he felt his life was full & complete. He felt truly loved & blessed by many & he had no regrets. What greater gift in life could one desire? "Thank you to all you beautiful people" There is a huge void in many people's lives because of Neil leaving us too soon; but his love will continue to thrive in all the hearts of every life he touched & we shall keep his "warm charming smiling spirit" & all the wonderful laughs & good memories he gave us throughout his journey & life here on earth alive in our hearts....for he is a hero & a best friend to many.....a true legend....forever missed, always loved & never forgotten. May you rest in God's eternal heaven until we meet again.... A Catholic memorial service will be held to honor Neil into his eternal life @ Queen of Peace church in Mesa AZ on Monday, October 2, 2017 @ 11:00am. All that knew him are welcome to join us. Cemetery Details City of Mesa Cemetery 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 Loading map Previous Events Graveside JUL 28. 12:00 PM (MT) City of Mesa Cemetery 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 Loading map