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Robert A. Leslie, 63, of Auburn, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, January 23rd. Born February 13, 1961 in Cooperstown, NY to Olga and Jack Leslie, he excelled in school while fostering a love of sports, specifically basketball.
He graduated from Richfield Springs High School and went on to play basketball at Herkimer Community College before hanging up his sneakers in pursuit of his Bachelor of Science in Technology Education at SUNY Oswego. He had a successful career in local manufacturing businesses, including Carrier Corp. where he met his loving wife, Deborah of 33 years with whom he has two children, Jacquelyn and Robert B. Leslie.
He later returned to school for his Master of Science in Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Building Leadership at SUNY Oswego, leading him back into the world of education where he left his mark on numerous teachers, administrators, and students alike. His development of Career and Technical Education programs for the Syracuse City School District was one of his proudest career achievements and has empowered numerous students through innovative partnerships to build professional leadership schools for long- term college and career success.
Outside of the professional world, Bob was a loving father and husband who never failed to give encouragement, love, and guidance to his kids and wife. He was an avid fisherman who loved sharing this experience with family and friends. When he wasn’t out on the lake, he could be found taking meticulous care of his yard, working on home projects, driving the dogs to the car wash, or speeding around in his convertible.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Deborah Leslie and two children, Jacquelyn Leslie and Robert B. Leslie; his siblings, Joan (Ron) Greer, Pete (Wendy) Leslie, and Laurie Leslie; his sister-in-law’s Karen DeFreitas and Nancy (Dennis) DeForge; several nieces and nephews and his loyal dogs, Cali, Ania, and Bolt.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 29th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation in Robert’s name to support the fight against Leukemia. https://www.roswellpark.org/giving
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Bob hired me in 2007 to do a ten week welder training, for a large Central New York employer, while he was the Director of OCM BOCES. At the end of the ten weeks, he offered me a full-time position as an Adult Ed. Welder/Fitter instructor. I gladly accepted. Bob always included me in the process of hiring subsequent welding instructors for the new high school welding programs that he developed, from scratch, at the OCM BOCES Thompson Rd. and Cortland campuses. Bob also trusted me to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to get these new programs up and running. When Bob left OCM BOCES to go to the Syracuse City School District, he started a new…
Bob was truly one-of-a-kind. Such a great person! I was fortunate to be his colleague and learned so much from him. He was a leader among leaders! The Syracuse & Utica City School Districts owe much to Bob’s unrelenting focus, vision and leadership. He will be truly missed.
I got to know Bob at OCM BOCES where he worked with various industry training programs. His personality, professionalism, education and experience were evident in his work with me and many others there. I am happy to say it was a pleasure to work with him, and I wish his family peace at this time of his passing.
Debbie, I was shocked and saddened to read the news of Bob's passing. I hope that you, your children, your sisters, and your extended family can accept condolences offered with the hope for a gentler time of remembering him, for each of you. Our Grandmother would have said, "Vichnaja jim Pamjat"--"eternal memory".
Marsha
❤️❤️❤️