LeRoy Edward Nanton, a gentle soul who touched the heart of his beloved community departed this life on January 10, 2012 at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth Amboy, NJ.

Born on February 12, 1927, he was a life-long resident of Perth Amboy. LeRoy was a graduate of Perth Amboy High School, Class of 1944. He was also a graduate of Lincoln University (PA) with a Bachelor of Science degree, and earned a Master's degree from the College of New Jersey.

He served his country with honor in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea.

He married his "Funny Valentine", Ena in July 1960. They were blessed with three loving children of whom they were extremely proud: Dennis, Lori, and Hugh.

Mr. Nanton was a highly respected and lauded teacher at Samuel E. Shull School in Perth Amboy for more than 35 years.

He will be remembered as the kind and thoughtful director of the Perth Amboy Municipal Summer Youth Employment Program for which he worked for many years.

LeRoy served as a Middlesex County Democratic Committeeman for over 25 years. He was active in many civic and fraternal organizations including: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Lincoln University Nu Chapter, the Masons Prince Hall Grande Lodge 143, the Perth Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P, The Pacesetters of Perth Amboy, numerous advisory boards for the City of Perth Amboy, and the Perth Amboy Federation of Teachers (AFT).

He loved people in a quiet and giving way – never seeking the limelight. LeRoy was an ardent worker for his church, St. Peter's Episcopal in Perth Amboy, where he served as a lay reader and visitor to the sick and infirmed of every religious persuasion. He served on the church Vestry for many years.

LeRoy was predeceased by his loving wife, Ena E. Clarke, in 1993 and his brother, Morris, in 2009.

Left to cherish his memory are sons, Dennis E. Nanton of Perth Amboy and Hugh E. Nanton (Chantal) of Texas; daughter, Lori E. Nanton-Harris (William) of East Brunswick; sisters-in-law, Hollis Jefferson and Annette Cyrus of New York; Violette Armstrong of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; Lisa Nanton of Perth Amboy; brother-in-law, Horace Clarke of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; grandchildren, Nicolette Nanton, Mikhael Nanton, Cole Harris and Romello Rodriguez; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A mass of celebration will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 183 Rector Street, Perth Amboy, on Monday, January 16, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited by the family for prayers and reflections on Sunday, January 15, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Perth Amboy from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Litany will take place at 7:30pm.

Contributions may be made to St. Peter's Living Memorial Fund in memory of Mr. Nanton.

Arrangements are by Flynn and Son Funeral Home 732-826-0358.