EAST LONGMEADOW – Robert Matthew Leslie, 82, (March 30, 1935 – June 15, 2017) passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at his home in East Longmeadow surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Robert was born on March 30, 1935 in Pittsfield, MA. He graduated from Pittsfield schools and worked for many years as an accountant with George Hitchcock & Co. Accountants and Auditors. Mr. Leslie was a member of the Masonic Fraternity for 61 years, and was currently a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge in Westfield. He served as Master of Pittsfield Lodge in Pittsfield, and received the coveted Veterans Medal for 50 years of service to Masonry in 2006. Robert was an active member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and received the Meritorious Service Award from the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation for his dedication and leadership within the Rite. In 1992 the National Supreme Council of Scottish Rite, conferred upon him the 33rd Degree, and bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Member of the Supreme Council within the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. In addition, Mr. Leslie was an active member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and belonged to both the Past Masters and Highlanders Units within Melha Shrine Center in Springfield.
Predeceased by his parents, Matthew & Elizabeth Leslie, and his step-daughter Donna Shaw, he leaves his wife of 48 years, Muriel Leslie of East Longmeadow, MA, his step-son William Blakesley and his wife Linda of Granville, MA, his step-daughter Bonnie King of Granville, MA, six grandchildren: Jeannie Pinney and her husband Jay of Pepperell MA, Daniel Blakesley of Agawam MA, Darcy Clifford of Sandisfield MA, Laurie Ritchie of Wallingford CT, Kathryn Wilkinson and her husband Christian of Russell MA, Julie Clifford of Granville MA and Richard King of Granville MA, Tiffany Cayo of Westfield MA, along with many great-grandchildren and many other family members and close friends.
There will be a short graveside service at 10:15 AM on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Silver Street Cemetery, Granville, MA, followed by Masonic and Memorial Services at 11:00 AM at the Granville Federated Church, 16 Granby Rd. Granville, MA 01034. To express a condolence, share memories or photos please visit Robert’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
