Leslie M. Burlingham, age 73, of Wattsburg, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Born August 4, 1936 in Corry, he was a son of the late Merle Burlingham and Lucille Buell Burlingham.
For many years, Leslie worked at the Tri-State Hardwoods lumber yard in Union City until he began employment at Yellow Cab of Erie in 1972. He worked there for 27 years until his retirement in 1999. For the past 8 years, Leslie enjoyed driving a transportation van for handicapped school children.
Leslie had many interests including NASCAR racing, the Cleveland Browns, antique cars, his dog “Daisy”, dirt track racing, and drawing. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Bernita Ritter and Wanita Crews; two nieces, Kim Stolitza and Denise Burlingham; a nephew, Wayne Sipes Jr.; and a son-in-law, Michael Sturgis.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley Skinner Burlingham; five children, Donald Burlingham and wife Christy of Little Hope, PA, Barbara Sturgis of Waterford, Eunice Rhodes and husband Brad of Hebron, CT, Nona Weaver and husband George of Edinboro, and Ralph Burlingham and wife Carrie of Wattsburg; 12 grandchildren: Alan, Tonya, Lisa, Teresa, Rhiannon, Nichola, Ralph Jr., Merle, Cassandra, Amanda, Malinda and Michael; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ella Mae Neubert of Erie; two brothers, Marvin Burlingham and wife Carol, and Arnold Burlingham and wife Susie, all of Waterford; a brother-in-law, Michael Ritter and wife Joann of Erie; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm and may attend the funeral service there on Saturday at 11:00am. Officiating will be Rev. Audron Seymour, pastor of the Wattsburg Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lowville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hornby Restoration Society and given at the funeral home.
A strong willed man with a heart the size of texas. As my uncle you will always be an influencial part of my life. My love of racing started in a small garage on Page rd as a child watching. Shirley, I may be here but my thoughts & prayers are there with you and the family. Michael
Leslie was a great guy and will be missed by all Who knew him and his good nature.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.