Obituary of Leo F. VanDonsel

Leo F. VanDonsel, 88 of Little York, NY and Florida, passed away on June 11, 2023 in Syracuse, NY. Mr. VanDonsel was born in Cortland on February 20, 1935 the son of John and Theodora Verbruggen VanDonsel. Leo grew up on the family farm and graduated from St. Mary's in 1952. He worked at Durkees Bakery as a garage Superintendent for many years before becoming a paid Firefighter for the City of Cortland. He was a member of the Hitchcock Hose Company #6 racing team and proud member of The Homer Elks Lodge. Leo always enjoyed farming and could fix or jerry rig anything, he was the jack-of-all trades. Leo enjoyed his time in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, his camp on Little York Lake and the hunting camp in Hoxie Gorge. Leo loved taking family and visitors out on the pontoon boat for a nice leisurely ride on Little York Lake and playing cards with his "boys" and friends in Florida. Mr. VanDonsel is survived by Daughter Deborah Pleickhardt in Arizona. Sons; Scott (Alicia) of Homer, Chuck in Arizona, John (Susan) in Maryland, and Alan (Andrea) of Homer. Eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews Mr. VanDonsel was predeceased by his sisters; Agnes Aldrich and Wilma Dugan and his brother Nicholas VanDonsel. Grandson Kevin VanDonsel on October 10, 2022. Calling hours will be 1:00 PM to 3:OO PM, Thursday, July 20th at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland with Funeral Services to follow at 3:00PM. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be considered for one of the following: https://www.alz.org https://www.littleyorklake.com https://www.littletagsfoundation.org To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com