Leon C. Provost

Leon C. Provost, 96, of Ludlow and St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Son of the late Peter and Beulah (Supernaw) Provost, he was born in Springfield on March 22, 1929. Educated in local schools, Leon proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He distinguished himself during a firefight in the town of Umchon where his platoon was ambushed. He was awarded 3 Purple Hearts as well as 2 Bronze Stars for his heroic efforts. Leon went on to work as a truck driver and warehouse manager for the former Breck Shampoo Company for over 40 years. He was a longtime communicant of St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Ludlow. Leon was a lifetime member of the VFW and an active, participating member of the Korean War Veteran’s Association in St. Petersburg, FL since January,2003. He was also a member of Amvets and the American Legion.

Leon is survived by his daughter Patrice Bednarczyk; his grandson Marc Bednarczyk; his sister Geraldine Stone; his longtime companion Nancy Ramella, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Clarice Provost, their infant son Joseph Provost, his son-in-law James Bednarczyk and his brothers John, Albert, Sonny, Peter, William and Clarence Provost.

Funeral Services for Leon will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA. Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be in Island Pond Cemetery. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Donations in Leon’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org or to St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA 01056.

Having a universal blood type, Leon was proud have been able to help others by donating 133 pints of blood during his lifetime.