Richard Leslie, 73, passed away peacefully on February 9th at home surrounded by his beloved family and his loyal dog, Daisy after a heroic eight year battle with lung cancer.
Born and raised in Worcester, Rich was the son Joseph and Nellie (Tebo) Leslie and lived in Rutland for the last 45 years. He graduated from Commerce High School, N.E. School of Mechanical Dentistry and Quinsigamond Community College. He worked at Norton Company, Worcester, for 38 years, retiring in 2009. Rich proudly served his country in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Richie enjoyed the outdoors, and loved hunting and fishing with his sons, passing on his love of nature to his children and grandchildren. He leaves four grandchildren who he was very close with. They affectionately called him Bumpa, and loved attending sleep-overs, exploring nature, fishing and bike riding with him. He was instrumental in their lives. They adored him, as he did them.
Weekday mornings Rich could be found at Planet Fitness, West Boylston, where he made many friends and was an inspiration. Rich’s more recent years were spent helping his sons build their homes, as well as other extensive projects. He was always happy to help them, rain or shine.
Rich will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie J. Leslie; his two sons, Michael J. Leslie, his wife, Lindsay and their children Annabelle, Michael-Archer, and Foster; Joseph M. Leslie, his wife Rebekah, and their son Benjamin. He also leaves his sisters, Mary J. Morrison, Joan N. Perna, and Jean M. Bisson, as well as many nieces and nephews on both the Leslie and Lescord sides.
In addition to his parents, Rich was predeceased by his sister Janice M. Bond.
There are no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main Street, Rutland, MA, Thursday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, 1 Bullfinch Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA, 02114, or the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.