Leon Elson Elsarelli

Elsarelli, Leon Elson, 86, of Sutherland, VA, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023. He was born on 23 April 1937, in Hershey, PA, and his early years were in Portsmouth, VA. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, class of 1959, and served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard. He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Marjorie. His military postings included: the Concepts Analysis Agency, Bethesda Maryland, Medical Advisor to the Republic of China (Taiwan), Project Officer for the Walter Reed Medical Center, and appointed to the United States Discharge Review Board. Military awards and decorations were received from the Republic of Korea, Republic of China, and the United States. He was a past commander of Post 2239, and assisted in proving recreation to disabled veterans at the Richmond VA Hospital. Service will be conducted at the Fort Myers Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery to follow, at a later date.

Mr. Elsarelli is a graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute. He retired from the United States Army Medical Corp at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Mr. Elsarelli is a veteran of the Vietnam War, and is the recipient of one of our Nation's highest awards: the Legion of Merit. Other awards include, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and during the Vietnam War, was awarded three battle stars, one being for the 1968 Tet Offensive. He is also a qualified combat parachutist. Special medals have also been awarded by the Republic of China for his work in the planning the supply defenses for the islands of Quemoy and Matsu, and a humanitarian award was given by the Republic of Korea.
In 1971, he was assigned to the United States Embassy, Taiwan, and was the medical logistical advisor President Chiang Kai-Shek. In 1974, he became the project officer for the building of the new 1500 bed, 16 operating suites, teaching hospital (Walter Reed Medical Center) in Washington, D.C.
The Secretary of Defense assigned him to the Concepts Analysis Agency. At this government "Think Tank", his analysis models provided long range planning for the Army's personnel requirements and lead to the re-establishment of the Selective Service Registration.
In 1977, Mr. Elsarelli was appointed to the United States Discharge Review Board, Washington, D.C., to adjudicate pre-tried felony cases for the purpose of recommending Presidential pardons. The hearing of these cases took him to every major city in the United States, and had unmeasurable humanitarian impact.

Other activities include:
Vice President - Association of the United States Army Fort Lee, VA
President - Dinwiddie County Economic Action Leaders
Past Commodore - Chesdin Yacht Club
Past Commander - VFW, Post 2239, Colonial Heights, VA
Past President - Parents Club, United States Air Force Academy
Past President - Petersburg, VA. Civitan Club
Vice President - "WLVA" radio. Lynchburg, VA
Past Member - Association of Military Surgeons. Bethesda, MD
Article Published: Military Medicine, July 1979

He had a passion for life and was affectionately known as "the Catbird." He was always the biggest character in the room. You felt lucky to have known him. He is survived by sister, Barbara Lawrence; daughter, Becky Helton; son, Lee Elsarelli; stepdaughter, Terry Garnett; stepson, Dr. David Garnett; niece, Andrea Peterson; and cousin, Richard Verrazzani.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701.