Leo R. Berendes 79, of North Providence, Rhode Island Passed away on July 2, 2022.

He was the husband of Paulette (Hacket)  Berendes since September 11, 1994

Born in Hopewell Virginia he was the son of Raymond and Mimi (Krussman) Berendes.

Leo was a Rhode Island resident for most of his life, living in Barrington, East Providence, and North Providence.

Leo attended  La Salle Academy, Marist college where he attained a  Bachelor of Science, St John's University MBA. And also attended the

College of Financial Planning and received a degree as a Certified financial planner.

He was in the United States Navy 22 years Retired as Lt Commander, As well as being a Certified Financial Planner ,Leo was also a

Stock Broker, he looked forward to being Santa Claus for 30 plus years.

Leo was an avid sailor involved in racing and race committee work.

Raced Beetle Cat boats and Jet14's from 1955 thru the mid 1960s

Sailed and raced Shields class boats while in the navy stationed in Newport and a

long time member of the Barrington Yacht Club. Leo had been a board member acting as Race Committee Chair.

In 2012  the Barrington Yacht Club awarded Leo its highest honor, the lssac B. Merriman Award.

This award is for the member whose yachting skills, Sportsmanship of service to the sport or the Club, best exemplifies the qualities of lssac B. Merriman

Leo was a US Sailing Certified Judge and a Certified Regional Race Officer. Leo ran regattas and judged events up and down the coast from New Jersey to Maine and as far west as the great lakes.

Another of Leo's passions was his time as Santa Claus. For 30 plus years Leo would appear at numerous venues as the official Santa for their events Including over 20 years as the BYC Santa Claus.

Leo also had a lifelong attraction to trains and model trains.He had an extensive collection of model trains he enjoyed using and displaying especially around the Christmas holidays.

Leo is survived by His wife Paulette of 28 years. His son Louis R. Berendes and grandson Jackson Of Manchester New Hampshire, His Daughters Julia Mandeville and granddaughter Estelle of Londonderry New Hampshire and Sharon Berendes Thorne and granddaughter Juanita of Pueblo Colorado. His stepchildren Michael Karkos and daughter Phoebe of Foster RI, Laura Markarian and children Michael, Lauren, and Meghan of Franklin MA, and Andrew Karkos of Lakeville MA. His sisters Yeyette Houfek of Hays Kansas, Libby Berendes of East Providence RI, and Maggie Smith of Leland North Carolina. His brothers Monte Berendes of south Palm Beach Florida, Roget Berendes of Jacksonville North Carolina, and Joel Berendes of Lincoln RI.

 In lieu of flowers the family has requested any donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund. www.kidneyfund.org/pledge-fight