Lester Leon Bleil

Lester Bleil, 72, passed away on December 27th despite showing great progress in his cancer treatment.   A veteran of the US Navy, Les was extremely creative and mechanically talented.  With his extraordinary abilities, he could build anything, fix anything, and was always willing to help others with construction, car, or other creative projects.  His passion was restoring classic cars.  At his passing he had two car projects and was an active member of Route 66 Rodders.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anne Apicella, and his sister Caroline Bleil.  He also leaves his cherished friends, Eric and Mary Tomaszewski, beloved members of his own and his wife’s families, many friends and neighbors, and his two special Schnauzers, Abby and Oscar.  He is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Bleil and mother, Florence (Gibbons) Bleil.  Les was always willing to assist Anne with their dog rescue activities over the years.  His compassion and talents will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery and a Celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Animal Humane New Mexico (www.animalhumanenm.org) or Sunflower Sanctuary (www.sunflowersanctuary.org).