Leslie O. Larsen

ST. JOHNSVILLE - Leslie (Les) Olaf Larsen, age 81 of St. Johnsville, was called home on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Nathan Littauer Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Leslie was born on January 13, 1943, in Staten Island to Arthur Larsen and Ina Larsen (Gebbard). He grew up as a city kid and later joined the Farm Cadets Program in high school where he spent two summers working upstate on the Handy Farm in the Town of Minden. There he met his future wife, Linda. Les graduated with the Class of 1960 from Curtis High School in Staten Island. Shortly after graduating he moved to Upstate New York, making it his permanent home.

On September 15, 1962, Leslie married Linda A. Larsen (Whitman), and they were blessed with 62 years of marriage. Together they raised five children, Eric, Stephen, Michael, Faron, and Christopher. Les and Linda’s door was always open to everyone, and their house was always full.

Les was a hard-working man and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He took great pride in working for Frontier Communications for 37 years, retiring in 2007. Everyone knew him as the “telephone man.” He also worked several side jobs, including driving buses for the local school district, working as a security guard at Pinkerton Security, and delivering The Amsterdam Recorder and Penny Saver papers.

As hard as Les worked, he still found time to be involved with his boys and serve his community, including coaching Little League for a year, spending several years as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts mentoring young individuals, and driving bus for the Scouts. Later in life, he served as the Council President for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of St. Johnsville and volunteered during elections as a poll worker.

Les had a personality that was larger than life. Although he worked hard, he also knew how to cut loose and have fun. His sarcastic sense of humor and huge laugh were infectious, and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed taking his family to Ripepi’s and drinking his 7&7’s, while catching up with neighbors and friends. He was also very shrewd, always searching for the best deals and finding ways to save money. He loved music and collected thousands of records and CD’s. Elvis Presley was his very favorite, evidenced by his robust Elvis collection and how he bopped around when the music would play. Les also took pride in his yard, spending hours on his mower each week just to keep it beautiful.

Most importantly, Les was a family man. His love for his children was unmatched, and it was even greater for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would spend several weeks at a time visiting his sons and their families, often with grandchildren in tow and taking every opportunity to keep his family connected. Les’s biggest accomplishment and love was his family. From his wife, five sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren to his extended family, he laid down roots for all of them.

Leslie is survived by his wife, Linda (Whitman) Larsen; sons: Michael Larsen (Wendy), Faron Larsen, and Christopher Larsen; grandchildren: Nicole Castellano (Tommy), Eric Larsen (Ashley), Amanda Larsen, Magen Larsen (Daniel), Ashley Larsen, Cassie Larsen (Dennis), Erica Hamilton (Adam), Ryan Larsen (Brittany), Kacie Larsen, Taylor Larsen, and Stephanie Larsen; and 21 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Larsen and Ina (Gebbard) Larsen, and his sons Eric Larsen and Stephen Larsen.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Nathen Littauer Hospital who took care of Les and his family in his final days. A special thank you to Nicole Castellano, Ashley Davenport, and Natasha (Tasha) Koelbl for tirelessly and selflessly caring for Les the last few years as his health declined. His family is forever grateful to you.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with funeral services at 12:00 pm at the Enea Family Funeral Home 9 Center Street, St.Johnsville, with Rev. David A. Johnson officiating. Leslie will be laid to rest in the spring at the Village Cemetery in St. Johnsville. A celebration of life will take place following the funeral services at the H.C. Smith Benefit Club, 538 Crum Creek Road in St. Johnsville until 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of St. Johnsville or the H.C. Smith Benefit Club.

Arrangements are in the care of Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (518) 568-2300. This obituary will appear as an online tribute at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

In the book of life, Les, you are our favorite chapter.

- The Larsen Family.