Leslie Van Tassel, Jr.

Leslie Van Tassel, Jr., 79, passed away Saturday evening, June 23, 2007, at his home in Lewisberry, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Gertrude (Layman) Van Tassel with whom he celebrated a 56th wedding anniversary on December 29th. Mr. Van Tassel was born April 16, 1928, in Durham, NY. He was the son of the late Leslie and Olga (Rivenburg) Van Tassel. He was a 1946 graduate of Middleburg High School, Middleburg, NY and later served with the New York State Guard from 1947 to 1951 where he earned the distinction of Expert Marksman. He was employed with the New York Army Depot in Voorheesville, NY for 13 years and was transferred to the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot where he worked for 32 years until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of Mt. Airy United Methodist Church in Wellsville. He was also a member of the EAA. He loved airplanes, art, writing, tinkering and travel geocaching under the name of, Papa 4 kids. He also loved flying all over the world on his computerized flight simulator. In addition to his wife, Mr. Van Tassel is also survived by his three daughters, Lorraine Smith and husband, Richard, of Blain, PA, Dawn Holloman and husband, William, of Easton, PA, Christine Bradley and husband, John, III, of Stanley, NY; a son, Brian Van Tassel and wife, Joanne, of New Cumberland; 13 grandchildren; a great granddaughter; a sister, Clara Snyder and husband, Charles, of Rochester, NY; and several loving nieces and nephews. Following cremation, a graveside memorial service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, July 1, 2007, at Potter Hollow Cemetery, Potter Hollow, NY. Beaver Urich Funeral Home, Lewisberry, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Les's memory to either Mt. Airy United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2020 Pinetown Rd., Wellsville, PA 17365 or Pinnacle Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110.