Wilfred A. Leslie,

Wilfred A. Leslie Sr., 74, of 67 Brookside Rd., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, in his home after an extended illness. Born in Keene, N.H., Feb. 18, 1929, a son of Frank Leslie and Myrtle (Corey) (Leslie) Hajewski, he came to the Athol-Orange area in 1939. A well known area veteran and Legionnaire, he served his country with the United States Army in the 1st Cavalry Division, 5th Cavalry Regiment Heavy Mortar during the Korean War from 1948 until 1952. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, was awarded the Occupation Medal of Japan, a Purple Heart and Korean War Service Medal with five Bronze Stars. He was a life member of Charles Musante Post, Disabled American Veterans, Athol; a member of AMVETS; past commander of American Legion Post, 172, Orange; past commander of Edward H. Phillips Post 102, Athol, in 2000; member of the Edward H. Phillips Post 102 Burial Honors Detail; Life member of the Military Order of Purple Heart Post 529, Berwick, Penn.; Veterans Club Joint Commander at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol. He narrated the American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Night programs with his wife in Athol for several years. A strong voice for veterans, he emphasized to young people the high toll of lives lost to acquire freedoms that are never free. His military service story is being published in the "On Duty" series compiled by D.A.V. National Commander, Alan Bowers of Royalston. Prior to his retirement, he worked at Vescom Security, Bangor, Maine, and was recognized as their All-Eastern US Security Officer in 1991. Previously he worked at Hannon Security Co., Westfield for 10 years and became the supervisor of the North Central Massachusetts Region. His first job at age 12 was delivering the Worcester Morning Telegram and Evening Gazette in Athol, he later worked at A.D. Potter Grain Co., Orange State Guards, May Brothers Moving Co., Barrett Farm, Orange Foundry and was an usher at the age of 16 at the York Theater, Athol. He drove a truck for the Army Corps of Engineers during the construction of the Tully Flood Control Dam, worked at Tyler Millwork, Barre Woolen Mills, Mears Wood Heel Co., Erving; Central Massachusetts Bus Co., Butterfield School, Earl R. Drew Construction, W.E. Aubuchon, Baker School Supply, all in Orange, and Wachusett Lumber, Hubbardston. In the seventies he enrolled in Greenfield Community College and was awarded his associates degree at the age of 48. A writer of short stories and poems, he received a diploma from the Children's Institute of Literature. Proud of his Scottish heritage, he often wore his kilt and Scottish attire to attend the Scottish Games held each summer in Queeche, Vt. Formerly active in the Salvation Army Corps., he was commissioned a Corps Sergeant Major and was a strong supporter of its many programs. He served on the US Congressional Advisory Board, a State Advisor on the American Security Council Foundation, member of National Rifle Association, an organization which defends the Second Amendment, "A well regulated militia being necessary for the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." A collector of knives, John Wayne movies, wolf memorabilia and objects of American History, he was a Red Skelton and professional wrestling fan, which he watched with his children, especially before the sport became such a side show. He keenly appreciated classical music, especially Beethoven. A communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, he enjoyed spending time with his friends at parish coffee socials and the Athol Pizza House after Sunday Mass. He volunteered his time as Santa at Quabbin Valley Healthcare Christmas fairs for several years. He leaves his wife of 33 years, Marion J. (Hill) Leslie; a daughter, Sally Piragis and husband, Donald Jr. of Greenfield; two step sons, Wilfred Leslie Jr. and wife, Ann of Baldwinville, Stephen Leslie formerly of Orange; a stepdaughter, Heather (Richardson) Bobilin and husband, Richard of Phillipston; three grandchildren, Brian, Paul and Selina Leslie of Baldwinville; a sister, Dorothy Whippie of Orange; a godson, Tomas Francisco Alvarez of Guatemala; several nephews and nieces. His first wife, Sylvia (Fowler) Leslie, died in 1968. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 11, from the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 105 Main St. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to St. Francis of Assisi Church Building Fund, 105 Main St. Athol, Mass. 01331. Guest register is available at www.murphysfuneralhome.com $(document).ready(function(){ });