Leslie E. Needham

GARDNER - Leslie E. Needham, 81 of 44 Sumoi Road, Gardner, formerly of Ashburnham died Thursday, January 1, 2009 in the Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner. He was born in Ashburnham, on March 15, 1927, the son of the late Sewell E. and the late Alice (Crosby) Needham. Mr. Needham grew up in Ashburnham and was educated in Ashburnham. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Needham was employed at the James River Company in Fitchburg for over 36 years, he retired in 1989. He was a former member of the Peoples Church in Ashburnham and a former Deacon of the church. He was a member of the American Legion Post #142, he was a former Little League manager and umpire and also a girls softball manager in Ashburnham. He was Assistant Scout Master for troop 28 in Ashburnham. He enjoyed playing pool. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth R. (Bourget) Needham; four daughters, Jean Needham of Winchendon, Diane Caisse of Phillipston, Kelly Ouellet and her husband Paul of Gardner, Dale Despres and her husband Scott of Westminster; three sons, Leslie Needham, Jr. of Gardner, Richard A. Needham and his wife Virginia of Winchendon, Michael Needham and his wife Deborah of Winchendon; two sisters, Lois Cross of Winchendon, Phyllis Hodgkin of New Boston, NH; two brothers, Robert Needham of Swanzey, NH, David Needham of Murpfreesboro, TN; seventeen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Erdmann Needham, and by his sister, Ruth Carraba Funeral services will be held Friday, January 9, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan Street, Gardner, Pastor Richard Needham of the Jaffrey Bible Church will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 8, 2009 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8:00 PM at the John H. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to American Cancer Society's, New England Division Office, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. John H. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });