Leo L. Pelton

Leo L. Pelton, 100, of Attica passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the NYS VA Nursing Home in Batavia. Leo was born on December 1, 1919 in Erie PA, to the late Myron and Julia (Leonard) Pelton. He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline (Kohl) Pelton, his first wife Mary Rauber and their son Jonathan of Wayland NY; his siblings Agnes (Mike) Zak, Bertha (Clarence) Reiter, Allen Pelton and Hannah (Tom) Donahue
In his 100 years and 62 days upon this good earth, Leo always found a way to make himself useful. He kept busy his entire life. He is best known as a gentleman farmer and certainly knew his way around all his farm equipment and all the tools on his property. He often said, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” He could be spotted driving his tractor on the family farm up until the snows arrived this past October.
Leo could carry a tune and loved to sing Irish ballads and country songs. He is remembered for his quick wit and his cheerful laugh. Leo treasured humility and self-reliance. “Never think you are better than anyone else, but always think you are just as good.” He led a balanced life, and when the hard work was done, he encouraged everyone to “Take a break!”
Leo graduated from Alexander Central High School in 1938. He was working second shift at the Batavia Metal Trades School in 1941 when he was drafted into the Army.
He served in the Army in WWII, in the IV Division, 12th Infantry, Company A. He took part in 3 European battle campaigns including D Day and the Battle of the Bulge (Normandy, Ardennes and Rhineland). His military awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the American Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Combat Infantry Medal.
Upon returning home, Leo held a factory job during the day and worked the family farm in the evenings and weekends. Over the years he worked at Cornell Aeronautical Labs in Buffalo, and Yale & Town and Doehler Jarvis in Batavia.
Leo is survived by his children Jerome (Sharon) of Texas, Sharon (John) of California, Daniel of Stafford, Charles (April) of Attica, Andrew (Debra) of Attica, Nicholas (Holly) of East Bethany and Myrna of Wayland; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 4 PM and 7 Pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM Friday, February 7, 2020 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church, 50 East Avenue Attica, New York 14011. He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica. Luncheon will follow internment.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.