Rainbow PUSH Mourns the Passing of Spencer Leak, Jr.

Rainbow PUSH Mourns the Passing of Spencer Leak, Jr.

CHICAGO — The Rainbow PUSH family mourns the passing of one of its own, Spencer Leak, Jr., a distinguished civic leader, businessman, philanthropist, and pillar of both Chicago's business community and the broader African American business community, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Throughout his life, Spencer Leak, Jr. exemplified the highest ideals of service, professionalism, faith, and community stewardship. As a leader of one of Chicago's most respected families, he dedicated himself to helping families navigate life's most difficult moments with compassion, dignity, care, and love. Faith in God and love for people were at the center of everything he did.

His influence extended far beyond his profession through his support of countless civic, charitable, educational, and faith-based initiatives across Chicago, the State of Illinois, and throughout the nation.

For decades, Leak and Sons Funeral Homes has been a trusted institution in the civic life of Chicago, earning admiration across communities, industries, and generations. As part of that remarkable legacy, Spencer remained steadfastly committed to uplifting others, strengthening institutions, and serving the public good. He was a beloved figure whose contributions helped shape the social fabric of our city.

A reflection of the Leak family's enduring faith was their weekly church broadcast, Truth Speaks. God has always been the anchor of the Leak family's work. Spencer and his family comforted people in their darkest hours, buried loved ones with dignity, and lifted entire communities with compassion and love.

The loss is felt especially deeply throughout the Rainbow PUSH family. The Leak family stood among Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.'s earliest supporters at the birth of his ministry—from Operation Breadbasket, to Operation PUSH, to presidential campaigns, and the weekly Saturday Morning Forum. Rarely did a Saturday morning pass without Mrs. Henrietta Leak sitting proudly on the front row and making the first contribution to the offering.

Today, that bond remains strong. Spencer's wife, renowned educator Dr. Donna Leak, faithfully serves as a member of the PUSH Excel Board of Directors, continuing the family's longstanding commitment to education, service, community empowerment, and faith.

"Barely three months ago, Spencer was helping lead my father's homegoing services—from Chicago to Tennessee to South Carolina—as well as the days-long vigils as Reverend Jackson lay in honor at Rainbow PUSH headquarters," said Yusef D. Jackson, President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH.. "Spencer never had to be asked. He volunteered. He showed up. And he never left my father's side."

"Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate a life extraordinarily well lived. Spencer understood that people are not measured by titles, wealth, or recognition. He believed that every person deserved dignity, respect, and compassion. He lived those values every day."

"His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the families he comforted, and the communities he strengthened. Chicago, Rainbow PUSH, and all of us who were blessed to know him have lost one of our finest sons. We will miss him deeply."

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to Dr. Donna Leak, the Leak family, and all those whose lives were touched by Spencer Leak, Jr.'s extraordinary leadership, friendship, service, and loving kindness.

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