Obituary of Stephen Lee Leathers

Stephen Lee Leathers, 54, of 367 Reed Cove Road, Waynesville, NC and Sarasota, FL, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 in North Carolina. Steve was born March 13, 1958 in Jamestown, a son of Donald Leathers and Marian Van Order Leathers, and grew up in Jamestown playing Little League baseball in his early years. Steve sang with the Men of Tomorrow and A Cappella Choir at Jamestown High School, graduating from JHS in 1976. He later graduated from Alfred University. A licensed carpenter, Steve moved to Florida where he built many houses in the Sarasota area and was a member of the Eagles. It was in Sarasota that Steve married the love of his life, Judy Lehmann, on May 8, 2002. He was a fan of NASCAR and the Cleveland Browns, Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. In his final years, Steve fought a hard battle with cancer and had bonded even more closely with his wife, Judy. In addition to his parents of Jamestown, Steve is survived by his wife Judy of Waynesville; step-children Melanie Lehmann and Joseph Lehmann Jr. of Sarasota; a sister, Sue (Collin) Smith of Lakewood, NY and brother, David (Shelly) Leathers of Jamestown; two nieces, Melissa (Nick) Palmisano of Syracuse, NY and Alyssa Leathers of Jamestown; two nephews, Shawn Carlson and Eric Leathers, both of Jamestown; a grand-nephew, Kyler Carlson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of life and private family gathering will be held at a later date. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.