John Leskow, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 9, 2021, at Robert Packer Hospital. He was met at Heaven’s gate by his bride of 72 years, Mary Leskow, and a multitude of family and friends who had passed before him.
John was born on April 19, 1926, in Olean, NY, to Nicholas and Kathryn Leskow. He learned to play the accordion at a young age and became an accomplished accordion player who played regularly with other band members at the Fountains Pavilion in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s. It was there that he first laid eyes on Mary and emphatically told a band member, “I’m going to marry that girl someday.” He did just that, and in 1948 the handsome guy from Endicott married the beautiful girl from Binghamton. Together they had 4 children. John loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally. He never missed an opportunity to support their activities and attend their events. He took pride in being past President of the Endwell Little League.
Mary and John enjoyed playing the “slots” and traveled near and far to find just the right machine that would pay out more than they put in! John wasn’t always as lucky as his wife Mary but took delight in watching Mary “cash-out” her winnings! Together they loved soaking up the sun on beaches in Wildwood, NJ, and Daytona Beach, FL.
In the early ‘40s, John and his twin brother George worked as butchers at the A&P grocery store. It was during that time that he was called to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II. While serving, he was called on to take shorthand during the Nuremberg Trials. Upon his return from the service, he joined the Endicott American Legion, where he remained a life-long member. He was also fortunate to begin his 38-year career at IBM from which he retired in 1986 and was a member of IBM’s Quarter Century Club.
He is predeceased by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law Mary and Michael Vanca, twin brother, George (Nellie), sister Martha (John) Vlkovic, Paul and Sophie Gofran, brother-in-law Gilbert Beach, Gerald Hlopko, George (Mille) Vanca, Warren Hall, and nephews Jeff and Brian Hall.
He is survived by his four children Donna (Luigi) Fata, Gary (Susan), Mary Kay (Tom), and Thomas (Amy). He is grandpa to Travis (Kristen) Fata, Nicolas (Jenna) Fata, Kristen (Casey) Coons, Justin (Ali) Leskow, Aaron Leskow, and Hannah Leskow.
The family has continued to grow with 5 great-grandchildren Maximus, Lillian, Nico, Nina Fata and Henry John Coons, and 2 more on the way.
He is also survived by his sister Julia Hall, sisters-in-law Helen Hlopko and Anne Beach, daughter-in-law, Diane Leskow, nieces and nephews David (Anne) Leskow, Jim Hall, Lori (Bill) Baynes, Sharon (John) Castelli, Marci Beach, Jerry (Jane) Hlopko, James Hlopko, Vickie (John) Griffen, Michael (Heather) Vanca, special niece, Viera (John) Mancini, friend, and traveling companion, Melinda Smith, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
God speed a faithful and loyal servant. We will miss you, Dad, but we are comforted to know you are now with the angels and Mom, your beloved wife, Mary.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Corey, Family Practice, and Jennifer Hughey, NP, Cardiology at the Guthrie Clinic, and the staff of the 7th and 8th floor of Robert Packer Hospital for their compassionate care.
Due to Covid-19 circumstances, a private service will be held. The family will hold a celebration of John’s life at a future date as circumstances permit.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Leskow may be made to Catholic Charities of Broome County or The Church of the Holy Family.