Leroy C. Umstead, Sr., 95, of New Haven, husband of the late Helen Mae (Hansley) Umstead, died Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in New Haven, CT, after a brief illness.

Born October 5, 1919 in Durham, NC to the late Lee and Cora (Veasey) Umstead, Leroy saw action in the North Africa campaigns and was an interpreter with the Army in Italy.

Leroy is survived by daughters, Beverly Umstead of Waterbury,CT, Andrea Brown (Wayne) of Havre de Grace, MD, and Jacqueline U. Johnson of Hunstville, AL; sons, Leroy Umstead, Jr. of Mesa, AZ and Albert Dancy (Robin) of Norwalk, CT; seven grandchildren, Dominique, Danielle, Adriel, Jr., Brandi, Jeriel, Travis and Delaney; one great-grandchild, Zoe; a most cherished "sister" Willa Miller, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by son, Eric Dancy; brothers, Melvin and James Umstead; and sisters, Beulah Suitt, Margaret Umstead and Mae Allen.

A celebration of Mr. Umstead's life and legacy will be held Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St., New Haven. Viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.