PLATTSBURGH — PERU — Leo Lewis LaPorte Jr., 81, of the Sullivan Road, Peru, died peacefully Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the North Country.
He was born in Keene Valley, Jan. 19, 1931, the son of Leo L. Sr., and Mary (Blanchard) LaPorte.
Leo attended school in Dannemora, and began working at the age of 12. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He retired as a laborer from the Local 186 Union, but continued to be union member. Leo was an avid outdoorsman. He loved nature, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and cultivating wild flowers. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and books. He was a quick minded man that always kept up on the current events and history.
Leo is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura (Coulombe) LaPorte. They were married, Oct. 1, 1955. He is also survived by his son Christopher LaPorte and wife Cindy (Blake) LaPorte of Black Brook; three daughters, Christina and Eric Johansen of Fla., Cynthia and William Rock of Keeseville, and Cheryl Rock and her companion Troy Atkinson of Peru; and seven grandchildren, Christopher LaPorte Jr, April McCray, Kamie Fretwell, Shannon Rock, Lee LaPorte, Eric Johansen, and Phillip Johansen. He was a proud great-grandfather of Aaron McCray, Elijah Rosen, Amber McCray, Alisah Fretwell, and Ethan Fretwell. Survivors also include two sisters, Bernice and Bill Clay and Catherine and Frank LaVarnway; and several nieces and nephews.
Leo was predeceased by his parents; daughter Sylvia LaPorte; brothers Robert and Francis; sister Evelyn; and his grandchildren, Curtis Johansen and James Rock.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan.15 at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Augustine's Cemetery in Peru.
Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, 358 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of Leo LaPorte Jr., please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com
