Obituary of Leland (Lee) K. Harrod

Leland (Lee) K. Harrod, age 81, following a brief illness, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday September 11, 2011 with the love and support of his family by his side A lifelong resident of Little Falls, Lee was born on December 13, 1929 the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Staring) Harrod. He was a graduate of the Little Falls Class of 1947. On October 14, 1950, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Stahl at St. Marys Church in Little Falls. They shared a blessed union of 59 years before her passing on October 27, 2009. He was a member of the Holy Family Parish Church in Little Falls, as well as a longtime member of the Little Falls Elks Lodge # 42 , B.P.O.E. and served at one time on the Little Falls YMCA Board of Directors where he also served as swim coach. Lee served as a loyal and dedicated employee of the Herkimer Country Highway Department for 40 years. Following his retirement in 1988 as a foreman, Lee and Betty achieved a lifelong goal of traveling throughout the United States and Canada touring national parks and historic sites. Always together, Betty and Lee truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. While his accomplishments and interests were many, Lee was known for his hard work ethic, willingness to lend a helping hand and uncanny ability to "fix" things. His love of God and family were the essence of the life and standards he upheld. Lee leaves behind a legacy credited for teaching his family what unconditional love, commitment and unwavering support means. Together with Betty they instilled values and virtues that will continue to guide their family. He is survived his three cherished daughters and their spouses; Kathleen and Roger Bird of Minoa, Cynthia and David Dupont of Poland, Linda and Don Geesler of Little Falls, and daughter-in-law Dian Harrod of Poland. Grandchildren LeeAnn and Michael Kraszewski of Poland, Brian and Kim Harrod of Mohawk, Laura and Lance Stolp of East Syracuse, Chrissy Goodman and Eric Mercia of Minoa, Michael and Jessica Farber of Herkimer, Melissa and Trever Norman of Cortland and Eric and Amy Bird of Watertown. Great-grandchildren, Emma Kraszewski, Shana and Reese Harrod, Taylor and Lauren Stolp, Abigail and Madison Farber, Lukas Norman and Carter Bird. Two sisters in law, Arlene and her husband George Bundick of Little Falls, and Beverly Casadonte of Whitesboro, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son William E. Harrod on January 28, 2004. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11:00 am from the Holy Family Parish Church, Cor. Main & John St.s, Little Falls where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Thomas Lawless. Interment will take place in St. Marys Cemetery, Town of Herkimer at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 5-8 pm and to attend the funeral services Thursday morning. It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mr. Harrod be considered to the Little Falls Public Library, 706 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose. Online remembrances at www.chapmanmoser.com Members of the Little Falls Elks Lodge # 42 will call in a body on Wednesday Evening at 6:30 pm to conduct their ritualistic services.