Almon E. 'Al' Leach

Al (Almon) E. Leach Nov 9, 1925 - May 18, 2021 Al (Almon) E. Leach of the Town of Lockport, entered in to rest May 18, 2021 at the age of 95. Al was born in Arkansas City, Kansas in 1925. He was an aerospace engineer at Bell Aerospace, where retired in 1988 after a long career and held many positions such as Supervisor, Manufacturing Engineer, and Contract Program Manager. After high school graduation in Decatur, Illinois, Al enrolled in the U.S. Navy college program. Commissioned an Ensign in 1945, he served in the Pacific on the minesweeper USS YMS 337 and on the USS Anchor. He earned an engineering degree at Purdue University in 1948 after his naval service. Community activities were an important part of his life. He served many terms as Warden, Vestry member, and Lector at Grace Episcopal Church and Christ Episcopal Church in Lockport, NY. He was a volunteer in the Archaeology program at Old Fort Niagara and authored a paper on the historic manufacture of nails in the United States. The various stages of nail development were recorded for use in dating artifacts, which is still used today. An avid sailor, he was a 40 year member and past Commander of the Wilson Yacht Club. Al was also a longtime member and Bridge Officer of the Lockport Power and Sail Squadron. He taught many boating courses in the Lockport Squadron and was presented the United States Power Squadrons Chapman Award in 2005; a national award for contributions to boating education. He was the beloved husband of Joanne Stanton, the late Nan (nee Sommer) Leach, and the late Barbara (nee York) Leach; Devoted father of James F. Leach, Ellen S. Leach, and caring stepfather of Kristen (Joseph) Gerling, Holly (Alexander) Schotz, Wendy York, Jay York, Kevin (Colleen) Gaskill, and Brian Gaskill; Loving son of the late Fred and Edwina (nee Gist) Leach; Dear brother of Edwin Leach and the late Fred D. Leach; Also survived by numerous step-great grandchildren. No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Drive, Lockport on Monday morning at 11AM. Interment Cold Springs Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made in Als name to Christ Episcopal Church or Niagara Hospice. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel).