Evening star., 1933-12-02
m. A. LEESE RITES
SET FOR MONDAY
Civic Leader and Chamber of
Commerce Head to Rest in
GIenWood Cemetery.

Funeral services for Martin A. Leese,
president of the Washington Chamber
of Commerce, who died yesterday at his
home, 1908 Huntington street, Chevy
Chase Heights, will be held at the home
at pm. Monday Burial will be at
the Glenwood Cemetery. Rev. DR..
Simpson B. Daugherty of the United
Brethren Church will offlciate.
Mr.. Leese, who was 81, had suffered
from heart ailment since July, and
had been confined to his home for two
weeks preceding his death,
Washington's business leaders joined
in paying tribute to his civic and busi-
ness accomplishments during his llle'
long residence here.
Lens Factory First Here.
Mr.. Leese began his business career
with a jewelry concern on Seventh
street, later going into business for him.
self and establishing the first lens fac
tory in Washington 23 years ago. He
became interested in radio, and in 1927
established one of @WashingtOn'S pio-
neer radio stations, WMAL. identified
by his initials in its call letters.
He was successful in his efforts to
secure legislation requiring eXamina-
ton and licensing Of optometristS
allowed TO practice here, and he served
as president of the optometry board
since its foundation.
Always interested in business and civic
affairs. Mr. Leese was one of the char
ter members of the Merchants and
Manufacturers Association, and served
as its president in 1918. He became
acting president of the Chamber OF
Commerce in 1925, serving two terms
Immediately afterward. He was once
more elected for the post last month.
His death automatically transferred the
post to the chambers first vice presi-
dent. William C. Miller, who is also
president Of the National Association
of Real Estate Boards.
During the absence OF Mr.. Miller
from the city. George Keniepp. second
vice president, made the following
statement in behalf OF the chamber:
City's Loss Irreparable.
washington and it's citizens have suf-
fered an irreparable loss through the
death of Martin A. Leese. outstanding
/ business man and civic leader. whose
splendid services to our community en-
deared him to thousands OF friends and
well wishers in this city.
Martin Ieese was a highly success
ful business man who gladly accepted
the responsibility of success by devot-
ing years Of effort to paying back with
interest to his home community boun-
tiful return for every opportunity which
it had afforded him.
CAS- president Of the Washington
Chamber CT Commerce. Mr.. Leese
worked increasingly to further the best
interests of the District of Columbia.
As his successor in office stated: He
vas the driving force in the develop
ment of the Chambers annual indus
trial expositions He was squarely be-
hind the movement for readjustment of
fiscal relations and for reduction OF
the tax burden. Imhued with the spirit
of cooperation. he worked with all
other trade bodies to promote the best
interests Of the city as whole
The officers and members OF the
Washington Chamber of Commerce are
deeply shocked by the sudden departure
of their recently reelected leader who
J gave so much of his time and energy
to the guidance of their organization.
I speak for all Of them when ! say that
IN the death of Martin Leese Wash
ington has lost a leader Of exceptional
| beloved member and president"
Edward D. Shaw. secretary OF the
i Merchants and Manufacturers Associa-
ton, said: THE death Of Martin A.
Leese will be felt as a keen loss by
organized civic activities in this city.
Loss TO Radio Public.
Frank M. Russell. vice president OF
the National Broadcasting Co, said:
The .ldio public Of Washington suf-
fers a great loss in the death Of Mar
tin A Leese. AS owner Of Station
| WMAL, whose call letters are named
after him. Mr. Leese has made a con-
tribution TO radio in Washington which
will not be forgotten.
During his ownership. Station WMAL
has always been available to the people
of Washington as a forum for local
projects. When Station WMAL was
leased to the National Broadcasting
Co. last March. Mr.. LeeSe was named
as advisory counsel to N. B. c. on local
matters.
"The same local policies which Mr..
Leese inaugurated on Station WMAL
and which contributed so much 10
the stations success and popularity, VIII
be continued by the National Broad
casting CO.
In 1880 the Cosmopolitan Club pre-
sented Mr.. Leese with medal for dis
tinguished civic service to the commu-
nifty. The award was based on Mr.:
Ieese's civic activities generally, and
particularly on his generosity in af-
| fording the facilities of his radio sta
ton for civic betterment affairs.
Martin A. Leese was the son OF
Martin w. and Mary Elizabeth (Ech-
loff) Leese. He was married in Wash
ington to Miss Fannie I. Slncell- Inc
| widow survives him, as do two sons,
w. Earle and NJ. Norman, and
daughter. Mrs. Lorraine Good, all OF
them residents of Washington.
He was a member of the knights OF
Pythias, the United Brethren Church,
the Free and Accepted Masons, the
Board of Trade and the Congressional
and Columbia Country Clubs.
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