Leon D. Mickens, III

Leon David Mickens III was born on April 12,1968, to Beverly and Leon David Mickens Jr. Leon grew up in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. Upon graduating from George Westinghouse High School in 1986, Leon became a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. Leon served in the Marine Corps for six years, including during the Gulf War. Although he left active duty, Leon always said that he was not a former Marine; once a Marine, always a Marine. 

   Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Leon began his career at Carnegie Mellon University. He began as a security guard and was quickly promoted to a police officer. During his time at CMU Leon impacted a multitude of students, faculty and coworkers. He took pride in helping those he encountered and enjoyed being a self-defense instructor. Leon retired from CMU after 25 years of dedicated service. 

   On September 6,1997, Leon married the love of his life, Nichelle (Carter) Mickens. They became the proud parents of two daughters, who he adored, Tamia and Sydney Mickens. On September 6, 2023, Leon and Nichelle remarried. 

   Leon was a die-hard Steelers fan. One of his favorite memories was attending a Steelers game in 2024 where they honored veterans. He said that attending that game, with his daughters, was one of the best nights of his life. Leon also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling with the Jamaica crew and visiting places from one of his favorite TV shows, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. 

   In August 2025, Leon was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer that traveled to his liver. Upon returning from his final trip to Ocean City, Maryland in September 2025, Leon was hospitalized. He passed away on October 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends. 

   Leon is predeceased by his parents, Beverly Jones and Leon D. Mickens Jr. Leon is survived by his wife, Nichelle, his daughters, Tamia and Sydney, his sister Linda Mickens (Pittsburgh, PA), his brother, Fleming Mickens (Pittsburgh, PA), his brother from another mother, Roderick LeGrand (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) and a host of family and friends. 

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