Francisco Costa Leite

Francisco Costa Leite of Carrollton, KY, was born to Francisco Leite, Sr. and Cecelia Costa Leite, in Pinheiro, Maranhao, Brazil, on January 31,1938. He passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Carrollton at the age of 86.

His early years of education took place in Pinheiro, Sao Luis, and Belem. Francisco entered College of Pharmacy in Belem, Para, Brazil, where he studied from 1960-1963. From 1963-1967, he studied in Cincinnati, OH, at Cincinnati Bible Seminary and graduated in 1967 with a B.A. degree in Missions.

Following his graduation, he returned to Belem to resume his pharmacy studies. After two years of writing letters with Sue Carole Marshall of Carrollton, KY, whom he met in the summer of 1967, they married on December 4, 1969, in Belem. He graduated from Pharmacy College in December of 1970 in Belem. From this union, came their first two children: Bryan - born in Belem, Para, and Tanya - born in Goiania, Goias. He held a brief pastorate position between 1970-1974, in the Barreiro Church of Christ in Belem and was dedicated to mission work in Goiania, Goias. Upon returning to the United States in 1974, Francisco entered College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH, to complete the fifth year pharmacy program. Following his graduation in 1975, he worked seven years in Danville, IL, holding pharmacist positions in Super-X Drugs and Lakeview Medical Center. Brent was added to their family tree in Danville, IL. Upon his return to KY in 1983, he held pharmacist positions with Hook’s Drugs in Vevay, IN, and Rite-Aid in Carrollton, KY.

Following his retirement in June of 2000, he devoted his time to mission work. For the next 24 years, he was instrumental in the founding of two Church of Christ congregations in Pinheiro. This work was and continues to be supported by English Christian Church and Northern Brazil Mission. Francisco was a member of English Christian Church having served as Sunday School teacher, deacon and elder. In addition to studying his Bible and witnessing for God, he enjoyed traveling and experiencing new adventures.

Francisco is survived by wife Sue Marshall Leite of Carrollton, KY; son Bryan (Rebecca) Leite of LaGrange, KY; son Brent Leite of Carrollton, KY; daughter Tanya (Chris) Klosowski of Florence, KY; grandchildren: Sam Leite of Tampa, FL; Caitlin Klosowski of Independence, KY; Stephanie (Luke) Hampton of LaGrange, KY; Adam Leite, Thomas Leite, Nolan Leite, Jacob Leite and Savannah Leite of LaGrange, KY; Aaron Leite of Lexington, KY; great-grandchildren: Liam and Lucy Hampton of LaGrange, Ky. Other survivors include siblings: sister Diana Soares; brothers: General Leite, Levi Leite, Erasmo (Vania) Leite, Jonas (Marquesa) Leite, Jurandy (Nazareth) Leite and Nelio Leite, of Brazil; and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by parents; brothers: Enos, Tarquinio, Juarez, and Alan Leite; sister: Ligia Morais.

Visitation will take place at English Christian Church on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, located at 2076 Hwy 227, Carrollton, KY.

A Celebration of Life program will start at 1:00 PM at the same location.

Interment will take place at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Carrollton, KY.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, you are invited to make a contribution to works of his passion: Northern Brazil Mission or English Christian Church in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home.