Earl M. Leake

DENVER, Colo. — Earl M. Leake, 83, of Denver, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the Denver Hospice Center, located in Lowry, after 13 years of battling cancer.

Earl was born Oct. 3, 1942 in Olean, N.Y., to Walter and Lucille Leake.

Earl spent his childhood growing up exploring the surrounding woods and causing mayhem in his town of Eldred, Pa. He attended Otto Eldred high school in Duke Center, Pa., where he met his future wife Connie Joanne Spencer.

Earl graduated from Otto Eldred high school in 1961 and went on to attend St. Bonaventure University, majoring in journalism. Earl and his high school sweetheart, Connie Spencer, wed Feb. 29, 1964. Earl received his bachelor degree in journalism from St. Bonaventure the following spring in 1965.

Earl focused his career extensively in insurance. He rose through the ranks at Utica National, retiring from the home office in 2004. Earl continued to work an additional 18-plus years in the area of his expertise, insurance, after relocating to Denver to spend more time with family.

Earl enjoyed playing golf with his wife of 61 years, Connie. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, discussing politics, calculus and poetry. He liked taking his dogs for a good walk and taking long drives that he would claim, “it’s a short cut.”

Survivors include Connie Joanne Leake; three adult children and their spouses, Jeffrey Moody Leake and wife Leticia, Stephanie Joanne Park and husband Keun-Wan, Janice May Leake-Cody and husband Scott; three adored grandchildren, Natalie, Nicholas and Madeline; and siblings, James Leake and Victoria Summerson.

“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.” Stephen Hawking