Leslie W. Edick

Leslie W. Edick, 81, of French Road, Clinton, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Flag Day, June 14, 2022. Leslie was born on August 12, 1940 in Utica, New York. The only son of his parents, George and Marion Edick, Les spent his youth in the Utica and Clinton areas and was a 1958 graduate of Utica Free Academy.

On March 29, 1961, Les enlisted in the United States Army serving first as a medical clerk before eventually becoming a legal clerk and attaining the rank of SP5. Les dutifully and proudly served his country, being stationed in various countries including Germany, Korea, and Vietnam before being honorably discharged and retired from service on November 29, 1965. During his Army career in Vietnam, Les suffered a devastating and life-threatening injury that caused him to live the remainder of his life 100% disabled. Because of his courageous actions in Vietnam, Les was the recipient of multiple military medals and awards, including medals for Conspicuous Service and the Purple Heart. While his military career did not define Les, nor was it an original career plan, Les always remained proud of his military career and would gladly serve his country again, considering it an honor! He even had planned to continue his military career by enrolling in the Army's Foreign Language School in San Francisco, however his life-changing injuries prohibited that.

Les was an active member of the New Apostolic Church and gladly served as a sub-deacon for approximately 30 years. He also was an avid walker up until about 15 years ago, not letting his physical disabilities hamper him. Many will recall memories of "Mr. Edick" walking to Clinton, Westmoreland, and Sherrill.

For the past 11 years, Leslie was a resident of the New York State Veteran's Home in Oxford, NewYork. Les was always a source of joy and happiness to the other residents and staff. He was always cracking a joke, making light of situations, and brightening everyone's days. Les continued to be active during most of his stay at the Vet's Home. He enjoyed listening to the musical concerts--as long as they weren't Country music!--and always had much to contribute to the Monday evening crossword puzzles! Les had a jovial, light-hearted personality and never felt sorry for himself nor his physical situation. He had a particular knack for teaching the staff new vocabulary words and always had a smart-aleck comment to any question posed to him. Les loved to make others smile!

Leslie was predeceased by a sister, Nancilou, and in 2018 by his former wife and friend, Margarete Edick Wentz. Leslie is survived by his sisters, Gayle (Ronald) MacLean and Lelah Edick, Trumansburg, NY. He is also survived by his children, Alexandra (Wayne) Davis, Binghamton, Anthony (Lia) Edick, Clinton, and Beatrice (Todd) French, Norwich. Surviving also are his grandchildren, Jessica Padmanabhan, Binghamton, Danielle (Rich) Pitcher, Endicott, Victor Edick, Clinton, Brandon (Kaylee) French, Norwich, Kelsey ( Michael) Nolan, Syracuse, Kristen (Benjamin) Brookins, Syracuse, and Zachary French, Albany. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren, Maya, Kavi, Kaylee, Lily, Elijah, Amelia, Evelyn, and Samuel, with another on the way. Les is also survived by a niece, Kathryn, and a nephew, Douglas.

Leslie had three motto's that best described him. "I'm going to live until I die", "You can't keep a good man down", and "Les worry, have more fun!"

Friends and family are invited to call at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich, on Wednesday, June 22 from 4-6 with a funeral service to follow. Those wishing to eulogize Les will have the opportunity at the conclusion of the funeral service. A military burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich, at a later date.