Corey J. Leitz

FRANKFORT – Corey J. Leitz, age 52, of Frankfort, NY, passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday, July 4, 2023, at his home.

He was born on Saturday, October 10, 1970, at Cooperstown Hospital. He attended the Sauquoit schools and made it through 10th grade before leaving to help full time with the family dairy farm, Highland Farms. He opened Highland Repair with his cousin, Steve Christensen, until the building unfortunately burnt down. He went on to be a mechanic for Blue Bird Taxi, owned by his parents, John and Barbara Leitz, until they went out of business. Corey went into business with his mother and brother, to start Leitz Enterprises, Inc. They started off as truck drivers, delivering topsoil and stone products, later to start Excavation work. He could move the equipment like it was an extension of his body, with precision and accuracy, even in a tight fit area. One of Corey’s strong points was he was like a “MacGyver”. He could see a problem situation and have at least 3 ways to proceed to improve the situation.

Corey studied and earned his GED while he was in the Federal Prison System. He kept himself busy. His favorite job was working out in the shop outside the gate. He was the only person there who could operate heavy equipment. Of course, the Head guys there and the guards were sad to see him go, with his unremarkable 3D way of seeing things and the vast knowledge he had acquired through the years. He left that place in a much better place than when he arrived.

Corey spent many years helping to build the family business. In between all of Corey’s hardships and work, he was there for his friends and strangers, in their time of need. He would do everything in his power to help them, no matter what the cost or time involved. He will be missed by many people. There are many-many stories still untold out there.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Leitz; his 4 children; his 2 sons-in-law; his 2 granddaughters; his mother-in-law, Ada Rockhill; his mother, Barbara (Leitz) Slank; his father-in-law, Henry Slank .His aunt, Linda (Leitz) Fassolli and Alex Fassolli his niece and nephew He also leaves behind his sister, Brenda (Leitz) Dennis and nephew and niece, with great-niece and nephew; his brother, John J. Leitz, Sr., (Sundy Leitz); and many nephews, nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, John E. Leitz; his in-law, James Rockhill; his grandparents, Johne E. Leitz (Alice M. (Edwards) Leitz; his uncle, Thomas Leitz; a nephew, Travis T. Leitz; and a great-niece.

Corey’s wife is holding a Graveside Service at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Frankfort Hill Cemetery, located at 2338 Albany Road, Frankfort, NY, with Randy Davis, from the Utica International Seventh Day Adventist Church giving the Eulogy. Come say your goodbye and share a memory or two. Bring a picture if you have one, to leave on the memory boards.

John Leitz, Sr., will be holding a Celebration of Life, at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the shop.

Corey’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY (Town of Frankfort), Funeral Directors, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate.