W. Keith Leackfeldt, beloved father to son John Taylor Leakfeldt and daughter Paige Leackfeldt, passed away suddenly on Jan. 12, 2020, at age 67. He was predeceased by his loving wife Kathleen.
Keith had recently retired from GE Power in Schenectady, NY, where he had spent almost a decade working as a facilities leader, and he quickly threw himself into spending time on the four passions in his life: his children, working on his classic cars, listening to classic rock music (he was an aficionado) and watching college sports.
Born on June 24, 1952, in Pattersonville, NY, to Walter and Margaret Leakfeldt, who predeceased him, Keith graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering in 1975. It was there that he met his future wife, Kate, who was studying nursing. During his time at school, he was a proud brother in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Keith earned a master’s degree in business administration from St. John Fisher College in 1999 and worked extensively in the fields of ceramic engineering and manufacturing, most significantly for the Ferro Corporation before he joined General Electric. He also taught undergraduate seminars at Alfred University on Capital Management and Management Organization in 2001 and 2002.
Known for his mischievous cat-who-ate-the-canary look when he had a great story to tell, Keith was a vocal and enthusiastic fan of the athletic departments at the University of Michigan (his son’s alma mater) and Purdue University (his daughter’s), especially football and basketball.
As the son of a Chevrolet mechanic, Keith’s love for Corvettes led him to join the National Corvette Restorers Society and he recently began judging vintage car competitions and attending annual conventions.
Along with his children, Keith is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss his magnetic personality and wicked sense of humor.
Calling hours will be held at the Richard H. Keenan funeral home (Pittsford-Palmyra Road) on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Funeral service will be held in the same location at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. Internment will be at Whitehaven Memorial Park.
Comments
17 responses to “Leackfeldt, W. Keith”
We are so very sad to hear about your Dad. He and your Mom were so vibrant and loving. Hugs to both of you.
This is sad news, that your father has passed away this week. We recall fondly parent get-togethers on JAZZ BAND concert nights, long ago,
in the high school days. He and your mother were good people, and they raised good people. Love and hugs to you.
Dear Paige and Taylor,
The sudden passing
Dear Paige and Taylor,
The sudden passing of your father is such a shock and a heartbreaking loss. We are especially mournful for your lost of another beloved parent in such a short period of time. May you always feel his love.
My heart is broken for you, Paige and Taylor. Your father’s obituary really captures him. His smile would make everyone around him smile! His laugh would wipe away anyone’s negative mood. He was a man of great character: compassionate, honest, steadfast and devoted, especially to you both and your mom. He will be greatly missed.
Paige and Taylor – your father was a dear friend in high school and we had reconnected last year on a long phone call. I was so looking forward to seeing him again at our reunion. He was a good man and my heart goes out to you in your loss.
Paige & Taylor, You know when we became your neighbors down the slope some 25 years ago, Steve and I, and Justin and Sara, hit the jackpot. We loved — adored — and always will love and adore your parents. And the two of you. We became family quickly and we will always be your family. Your pain is ours and we wish we could make it go away. We can’t but we hope you both know that all of the Hageys will always be there for you. We have two very large holes in our heart.
Keith you will be missed. We are praying comfort for the family. We are very sad for your loss.
Dear Paige and Taylor,
Oh my God – it’s heartbreaking. We will truly miss “the mayor of McCoord Woods,” a good man in so many ways.
All of our love to you guys. Lean on us – there are so many who would hope to be of help.
Dear Kate, Taylor and Paige,
So sorry for your loss and sending my deepest sympathy to you all.
Dear Paige and Taylor, You are in our hearts today and always. Your family and ours share so many beautiful memories. Keith was such a kindhearted, generous person and your obituary really brought out what we love about Keith. Sending you lots of love and hugs during this difficult time.
Paige
Sending our love to you and Taylor. May his memory be a blessing and a reminder that he will always be in your heart
Dear Taylor and Paige, I am so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Sending you my love. -Bridge
Dear Paige and Taylor, we are so sorry to hear about your dad. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our sympathies to you both. Marcia and Scott
I am so sorry and horrified to hear of your Dad’s passing. I didn’t know your Dad as well as your Mom (I adored her and think about her often.)
I am out-of-town and won’t be at your Dad’s calling hours. I am so sorry to not be there to pay my respects to your family. Hugs to you both.
Dear Taylor,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your sister.
Taylor, we can’t tell you enough how sad we were to hear about this. We’ve been praying for all of you. Can’t wait to see you in person to give you a big hug. Love you.