Leon K. Huttig, 86, Longtime Woburn Resident and Business Owner

WOBURN, MA — Leon K. Huttig, a long time resident and businessman of Woburn passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Veteran's Home in Bedford. The beloved husband of Barbara (Akashian) Huttig was 86 years of age.

Leon was born and raised in Mehrhoog, Germany. While in Germany he graduated high school, played semi-professional soccer, attended Nuremberg College to be a teacher, and began his career studying hairstyling and advanced wig-making. In 1951, Leon had the opportunity of a lifetime to come and live in America. He worked in New Jersey as an apprentice in his uncle’s hair salon. He furthered his training by attending advanced cosmetology school in New York City.

Leon was drafted by the United States Army during the Korean War and worked on the guided missile project in Washington, D.C. On the Fourth of July in 1954, he became a U.S. citizen. This was one of the proudest moments of his life.

In 1953, Leon married Barbara Akashian, the love of his life. They were happily married for sixty-three years and had four loving and devoted daughters. Leon and his wife owned and operated Robert Newton Haircare in Woburn Center for over fifty years. During that time, he received eighteen national hairstyling awards and was elected State Styles Director for the Massachusetts Cosmetology Association. He wrote several articles in national hairdressing publications and was a National Hair Styling Association instructor, lecturer, and judge.

In his spare time, Leon was an enthusiastic gardener and endlessly looked for ways to keep the bunnies out of his ever-expanding garden. Leon enjoyed fishing, especially with his brother in the Adirondacks and deep sea fishing in Florida. He loved vacationing with his family in Miami Beach, playing Skat with his German friends and 45’s with his sons-in-law, flying kites with his grandchildren, and soaking up the sun wherever he went. His most treasured moments were cruising with his wife to different ports and traveling throughout the country. After his retirement, Leon and his wife spent their time between Woburn and Clearwater Beach, FL and spent many wonderful years together. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching international soccer matches.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Bertha Huttig, siblings Karl and Otto Huttig of Germany, Ludwig Huttig of Elizabethtown, NY, and Gerda Koch of Belgium.

Leon is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his daughters Barbie Clausen and her husband Alan of Woburn, Linda Sullivan and her husband Jim of North Andover, MA, Heidi Maraschiello and her husband Anthony of Woburn, and Sherry Flaherty and her husband Peter of Hampton, NH. He was also the proud grandfather “Opa” of Randi, Robyn, Shawna, Andrew, Elizabeth, Annie, Skyler, and Cyrena, and great grandfather “Opa” of Madyson, Haylee, and Leo. He was also the beloved uncle to his nephew George Huttig.

Funeral arrangements are with Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. Calling hours will be on Friday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Anthony Church, 851 Main Street, Woburn at 10 Family and friends are invited to call at the Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be at Woodbrook Cemetery, 100 Salem Street, Woburn.

Obituary and photo courtesy of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.