John Jacob (Jack) Leffert, 88, died peacefully at his home, on June 24, 2017 , in the company of his wife and seven children.
John was born on April 2, 1929 in Rome, NY to Charles Milo and Ruth Catherine (Cummings) Leffert. He is survived by one sister, Shirley (Leffert) Murphy, and predeceased by one brother, Charles Milo Leffert II of Rome, NY. After attending high school at R.F.A. In Rome, NY, John went to work in 1946 as a lineman for the NY Telephone Company. He retired in 1982 from NY Telephone Company as a Service Bureau Foreman.
While working on a job in Star Lake, NY as a lineman for NY Telephone Co., John met his wife, Elinor Joan Kerr. They were married on January 7, 1950. They lived in Rome, NY for 38 years, where they raised seven children, before moving to Star Lake, NY in 1987. John is survived by the love of his life, Elinor Joan, his five daughters: Roberta J. and Daniel M. Szewczyk of Star Lake, NY; Christine A. and Dennis M. Murray of Gloucester, VA; Jacquelynn D. House and partner Steven K. Flanders of Bridgeport, NY; Thea L. and David C. Joseph of Rome, NY; Mary M. and John P. Fanelli of Utica, NY, and two sons: John D. and Cynthia J. (Kurz) Leffert of Rome, NY; Kyle R. and Vanessa A. (Luttrell) Leffert of New Hudson, MI. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 predeceased granddaughter.
Before retiring, John was active in the Rome Lions Club and the Rome Planning Board. Upon moving to Star Lake, John became active with St. Hubert’s Church as a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and was a past president of the Star Lake Protective Association. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Focus on family and friends was his greatest interest in life. He was always supportive and encouraging to all around him. His outgoing personality and humor always put a smile on all fortunate enough to know him. His favorite line was, “Keep Smiling!”
Calling hours will be from 4 pm to 6 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Hawley Funeral Home, in Star Lake, NY. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at St. Hubert’s Church, in Star Lake, NY. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rome, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Hubert’s Church and the Star Lake Rescue Squad.