Obituary of Leon A. Harvey

Leon A. Harvey, 96 formerly of Pearl St., Cortland, passed away July 21 at Cortland Park, Cortland. Mr. Harvey was born November 19, 1921 in Berkshire, NY the son of the late Earl and Alda Hartwell Harvey.

Mr. Harvey was a 1940 graduate of the Newark Valley Central School, he had lettered in Baseball and basketball and was a member of the NYS Cattle judging Team while at Newark Valley. He continued his education at Delhi and Ithaca College. He played on the basketball teams at both schools.

Mr. Harvey married Mildred Buggs in 1949 and together the enjoyed 53 years of marriage.

Mr. Harvey had been employed at Coca Cola for several years, employed with FH Cobb Wholesale for twenty years and six years with Flickengers wholesale groceries. But his dream job started in 1986 when he went to work at the Elm Tree Golf Course until the age of 93 and could no longer work.

He was a member of the Grace Episcopal church for many years and had taught Sunday school, served vestry and had been a building chairman. A life member of the Loyal Order of Moose, a member and past chairman of the NYS youth basketball. A life member of the Cortland Bowling Assoc., had served as president from 1966 until 2001. A member of the Hall of Fame and had continued to bowl until he was      years old. Leon remained active in sports is whole life he played softball until he was 60 and then took up golf and had shot a hole in one three times by his 89^th birthday. He had served as chairman of the Cortland Legion Post 489 Golf Tournament that benefited local war veterans and their families.    

Mr. Harvey is survived by his daughter Jane Harvey of Cortland, his son Jack (Patricia) Harvey of Cortland. His sister Mae Newton in Florida. His grandchildren; Deborah (Andy) Berner, Jacqueline Lowie, Heather (Shawn) Gwin, six great grandchildren, his close friend Phyllis Bennett and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Harvey was predeceased by his parents, his wife Mildred and his brother George.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland, with the Rev. Thomas Margrave officiating. Interment will follow in the Cortland Rural Cemetery. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday 10:00-12:00 prior to the service at the funeral home. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the American Legion, SAL Wounded Warrior Project, Post 489, Tompkins St., Cortland, NY 13045. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com.