Angelo Leaks, 58, former corrections officer

Angelo Leaks had one simple motto that he passed on to his children: "No matter how well you do or what good you do, you can always do more."

Angelo lived by that code himself, always striving to do better.

The native Philadelphian served 15 years as a corrections officer for the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

He died July 3 of cancer. He was 58 and lived in Springfield, Mass. He previously worked for the Wall Street Journal and the Postal Service.

He was born in Philadelphia to Geneva Leaks, but was raised with eight foster brothers and sisters by his foster mother, Mary Baylor. He graduated from Chester High School in 1969, and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He later served in the Air Force Reserves.

"Angelo was a straight-shooter," said his foster sister Susan McNeil Coleman-Coles. "He gave great advice and told it like it was with no apology.

"He had a gregarious and strong spirit. He was a man of action with a great sense of humor. He was blessed with charm, good looks and a wonderful spirit."

At age 18, he married Shirley Works, and they moved to Springfield, Mass. The marriage ended in divorce after 13 years. He later married Martha Davis and that marriage also ended in divorce.

It wasn't until 2008 that he discovered his birth mother, and they were reunited.

Angelo never stopped learning. He was a voracious reader of history and culture, and also studied the Bible. He enjoyed science fiction and watched the Discovery and History channels.

He was also an avid Eagles and 76ers fan.

Besides his mother and foster sister, he is survived by three daughters, Antoinette Leaks, Dawn Leaks and Antoinette Daniels; three sons, Jesse Andre Bennefield, Anthony Daniels and Marq Cerqua; three stepchildren, Jaquan Davis, Alexis Folk and Ebony Davis; four other foster sisters, Estelle Hill, Valerie Leaks, Katherine Leaks-Canady and Kim Leaks-Jaynes; two foster brothers, Alonzo Leaks and James Butler; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his foster mother and foster sister, Minnie Hutley Clement.

Services: Memorial service 4 p.m. Saturday at Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 1228 S. 21st St.