Leon D. Bey

Leon "Drew" Bey, Age 73, of Pittsburgh, died January 12, 2022. He succumbed to the effects of the COVID-19 virus, after a brief hospitalization. He was 73 years old. A life-long resident of the city, Leon was born January 5, 1949 to Leon and Louise (Dorsey) Bey. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1967, and studied journalism at Point Park College thereafter. A lifelong lover of all things photography, Leon was a talented photographer who was rarely spotted without his cameras. From taking photographs of his daughters at their music and dance recitals, to documenting the changing seasons and developments on the streets and neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Leon turned his lens onto the typical and turned what he saw into art. Likewise, his love of writing drew him to all things calligraphy and script. From grocery lists and random notes to checks and copied bible verses, Leon's artistic eye was drawn to seeing the beauty and the art in the everyday. Above all else, Leon loved intellectual pursuits, and was a voracious reader, an intense debater, and an incessant listener of talk radio. His library rivaled that of the longest tenured Black Studies professor, and his devotion to studying African and Black American history led him to finding his passion for African drumming and dance. Leon traveled extensively to African art festivals and convocations, usually photographing the events when he wasn't participating himself. Leon retired as a Sergeant with the Pittsburgh Housing Authority. His career in law enforcement was a celebrated one in which he earned awards and accolades from his coworkers and supervisors alike. He most recently was an attendant at Park Mansions in Pittsburgh, PA, where he formed many friendships, and was a favorite of the staff and residents alike. In addition to his wife, Vinnie Coffey-Bey, Leon is survived by his four daughters: April Wade, Jamila "Mimi" (Mark) Bey, Tarrah (Fernando) Escamilla and Dr. Amita Bey; his sisters, Dondra Lewis, Doreen (Harry) Sigmone and Dale Swain, of New York; his brothers, Darwin (Sharon) and Dwight Bey of Texas. Also left to remember Leon are his grandsons Garrett and Tyler Spencer, Carlin Greenhouse, Joshua Wade and his great-grandson Omari Thomas Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dwayne and Dion Bey. His memory will long bring joy to those who loved him! Professional Services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com

Leon D. Bey

January 5, 1949 - January 12, 2022