Roger Warren Leadley

Roger W. Leadley, 87, formerly of Lake Pleasant, NY, passed away at his new home in Jay, NY on Sep 26, 2020. He was in his recliner chair watching a romantic film with his daughter Nicole nearby. Roger was born in Staten Island, NY to John Henry and Anna Leadley in September of 1933. During his youth in Staten Island he honed his athletic skills by climbing the Bayonne Bridge and plunging through the storm sewer drains on a “bobsled” made of roller skates and an ironing board. He also developed an appreciation for music by attending jazz shows with his sister Alice. His family moved to Speculator, NY in the mid-1940s, where he attended Lake Pleasant and Wells Central Schools and met the love of his life, Pauline. After graduating, he married Pauline and they moved to Ithaca, NY where he attended Ithaca College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Ithaca College in 1955. Soon thereafter he began contributing to his community and county through both his teaching at Wells Central School and his duties as a deputy sheriff for Hamilton County, where he served in the late 1960’s. He finished his career at Wells as the principal, after nearly 25 years of service. During his time at Wells he became a tireless advocate for his students, teachers, and community. Despite becoming a business administrator for the Rome City School District, from which he retired in the mid-1990s, he passionately and fearlessly fought for what he believed was best for the students and communities of Speculator, Lake Pleasant and Wells for the rest of his days. Although he was born a city boy, he came as close to an Adirondack native as possible. He loved hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling and knew the woods, lakes, and ponds of Hamilton County like the back of his hand. He also loved playing golf and skiing and served as a ski patroller at Oak Mountain from the late 1950’s to late 1960’s. But, most of all, he loved his wife Pauline. He spent most of his weekends and retirement transforming their “dream house”, an aged summer camp, into a beautiful, year-round, lakefront home. As her health declined, he became her devoted caretaker and was completely lost when she passed away in July of 2017. Roger is survived by his son Ronald, daughter Nicole; grandchildren Laura (Leadley) Perkins and Kurt Leadley; and great grandchildren Josaphine Perkins and Clara Leadley. He is preceded in death by his spouse Pauline; parents John Henry and Anna; his beloved son Greg; sisters Alice and Betty; and brothers Jack and Don. Memorial donations may be made to: ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, Northeastern New York Chapter, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011. All services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.