It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of David Paul McLeod, age 62, on May 4, 2025 following complications from an undiagnosed illness. He lived in Downers Grove, Illinois, with his surviving wife of 39 years, Katy McLeod. David was born on June 22, 1962, the eldest child of Dr. Paul and Elaine McLeod, at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. After a brief stop in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the family settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where David grew up alongside his siblings, Jennifer and Eric. He enjoyed a quintessential Madison childhood – participating in backyard wrestling matches with neighborhood kids as a young boy and cruising State Street on Friday nights as a high schooler.
It was during his formative years in Madison that David developed his two lifelong passions: physical fitness and television. Much to his parents’ dismay, he consumed as much TV as possible, memorizing nightly program schedules. Famously dismissive of reading, he often said that there was nothing he could learn in a book that he couldn’t learn from watching TV. It is perhaps unsurprising that he then went on to pursue a BA in Communications from UW-Madison, specializing in radio, TV, and film. He also joined the rowing team as a freshman, marking the beginning of his enduring commitment to fitness. His frequent workouts at the local health club led to a chance encounter with Katy Pierce, whom he married shortly after graduation in 1985.
In pursuit of a career in the television industry, and without any plan in place, David made the adventurous choice to move to Los Angeles two months after graduation. Soon after arriving, he briefly worked at Lorimar Productions before landing a research assistant position with The Walt Disney Company. His career with Disney spanned more than 35 years and prompted moves to Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas. Along the way, he and Katy welcomed their three children, all of whom survive: Zachary (Elizabeth) McLeod, Madison, WI; Daniel (Kelsey) McLeod, Madison, WI; and Ansley McLeod (Tom Jessessky), Madison, WI. The family settled in Downers Grove in 1996, where David ultimately retired from Disney as Senior Vice President of Broadcast Syndication in 2021
David was an exceptional father to his three children, volunteering as a soccer coach, attending every school event, and generally ensuring the kids were only allowed to get into just the right amount of trouble. This love for his children extended to his three surviving grandchildren: Harrison McLeod (8), Elaine McLeod (4), and Ian McLeod (2), whom he doted upon and loved to spend as much time with as possible. David loved to travel, and indulged his children (and later, his grandchildren) in annual trips to Disney World, where he occasionally made character appearances as Br’er Bear and The Beast. David was proud of his Scottish ancestry, and in 2001 the family traveled to the Isle of Skye in Scotland to visit Dunvegan castle, the historical home of the MacLeod family.
In the years that followed, they also took family trips to France, England, Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Caribbean, and Korea. But his favorite retreat was the lake house he built in Upper Michigan with his parents in 2001, shortly before the passing of his beloved mother, Elaine. The family has spent much of their free time there in the years since, skiing in the winter and fishing in the summer.
David was an enthusiast for many things in life: fine wines and cheese, brightly colored sneakers, a perfectly manicured lawn, and watching the Badgers and the Packers (so long as they won). He was also diversely talented and creative, writing many love poems for his wife, making up fantastical bedtime stories for his children, playing the piano, and drawing anything upon request. He had the remarkable ability to pull an answer to any question out of a hat, so much so he was referred to as a “Human Encyclopedia.” In the years following his retirement, David increasingly appreciated the quieter things in life. He spent his final years taking long walks with his wife and their dogs in Downers Grove, spoiling his grandchildren, spending time each morning at the gym, and doing a crossword puzzle at the end of the day.
David labored much of his life in order to provide an incredible life for his family. While we mourn that he is no longer with us to enjoy the fruits of his labor, we carry forward the warmth, strength, and love that he gave to all of us. Rest in peace, David, you will be greatly missed. David is also survived by his father Dr. Paul (Barbara) McLeod, Madison, WI, brother Eric (Jenner) McLeod, sister Jennifer (Jeff) Butler, and many nieces and nephews.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or GiveWell, a nonprofit that identifies and supports the world’s most cost-effective charities. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at 11am at First Congregational Church in Madison, Wisconsin. We invite all who knew and loved David to join us in sharing memories, laughter, and love as we honor a life well-lived.
Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home. Info 630-852-8000