RUSSELL: 
Peter F. “Gump” Leidt, 80, of Russell died Thursday January 14, 2016 in Mercy Medical Center. He was born in White Plains, NY on March 30, 1935 to William E. and Sarah (Cadoo) Leidt. Peter graduated from Lenox School in Lenox and attended St. Lawrence College in Canton, NY. He was the Highway Supt. and Treatment Plant Operator for the Town of Russell for thirty-one years retiring in 1991. He was a member of the District 1 Highway Assoc., W. Mass Water Works and the Pioneer Valley Ceramics Assoc.
Peter was well known for his beautiful flower gardens, in particular, his irises. His love of gardening was evident also with his fruit trees. His desire for challenges lead him to building his own home. He was an avid athlete with love of the Red Sox and the New York Giants. Peter was the widower of Shirley M. (Grant) Leidt who died on January 8, 2015. He leaves three sons Peter Leidt Jr. Texas, Paul Moore and his wife Casandra of NYC, NY, Bruce Moore and his wife Jill of East Longmeadow, MA, four daughters, Bonnie Olchowski of Barrington, RI, Allison Toms Pensacola, FL, Melanie Strycharz and her husband Bill and Darryl Wright of San Antonio, a sister Sarah Hockings and her husband Eric, eleven grandchildren, Eric, Eric, Adam, Shannon, Sarah, Chris, Julie, Tom, James, Josh, and Jake and eight great grandchildren, Amelia, Emily, Logan, Lillyana, Lorelei, Brayden, Briella, and Sienna. He was predeceased by a brother William E. Leidt Jr. The funeral will be Friday, January 22, 2015 at 11 AM in the Second Congregational Church in Westfield. Burial will be in the spring in Mountain Cemetery in Russell. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5-8 at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield St, West Springfield, MA 01089.
