Leo M. Cyr, 78, of Gulf Breeze, FL peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 after a long struggle with cancer. He was 78 years old, and the son of career diplomat, Leo G. Cyr, and mother Katherine.

Leo is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Elizabeth "Beth" Morris Cyr; his daughter, Nicole Cyr Picollo (JJ); three grandchildren, Michael, Ryan, and Lauren Picollo of Leawood, KS; two sisters, Kitty Godlewski and Nancy Keplinger of Gainesville, VA; and his beloved Pomeranians, Buddy and Kory.

Leo attended Georgetown University where he studied at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and was a member of the men's varsity basketball team. He was a Vietnam Veteran and entered the US Army in 1964, serving as a medic. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Ohio University and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from George Washington University. During his professional career, he held positions of responsibility for national trade associations including: the National Association of Plumbing Heating & Cooling Contractors; the Rubber Manufacturers Association; and the National Glass Association (NGA). In 1990, he was named Executive Vice President of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. In 2003, he was recruited back to the National Glass Association as Vice President of Auto Glass, and Executive Director of the Coalition for Auto Glass Safety & Public Awareness. He remained with the NGA until he retired in 2010. After retiring, Leo and Beth traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. They particularly enjoyed their four African wildlife safaris.

Leo and Beth authored four volumes, The Africa Safari Chronicles , detailing their experiences in Tanzania and Kenya, and providing advice to those who choose to travel the African continent. Leo also authored Africa's Astronaut , that chronicles a seventeen year old's remarkable and historical journey from his home in post-independence Cameroon to travel 6,000-miles to the United States in order to attend Georgetown University.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 1 St. Francis Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL.

The family requests that memorials be gifted to The Hotel for Dogs and Cats, 4110 Creighton Road, Pensacola, FL 32504.