John W. Leather Sr.: Past Chief of the Brewster Volunteer Fire Department

Via Beecher Funeral Home

John W. Leather Sr. of Brewster, NY died peacefully on September 22, 2017 at the Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. He was 86 years old.

Mr. Leather was born on August 11, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, son of Percy and Conchita (Morcillo) Leather. After graduating from Hempstead High School on Long Island and attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and served as a pilot.

John worked as the Vice-President and General Manager for LMA Oil Company in Brewster and was Putnam County Fire Coordinator from 1987 to 1995. John also worked for the Village of Brewster and the Town of Southeast as Fire Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. He was additionally a Town Constable and Zone Director for the Town of Southeast. He also served as a Putnam County Civil Defense Member and Radiological Officer for Putnam County. John was past Chief of the Brewster Vol. Fire Department and a former Commissioner of the Brewster Southeast Joint Fire District. Prior to Joining the Brewster Vol. Fire Department, John was a member of the Mt. Kisco Mutual Engine Hose Company. John was an avid volunteer. He was a life member of the Putnam County Vol. Fireman’s Association, the NYS Chief’s Association, The Hudson Valley Fireman’s Association and the Royal Order of the Blue Vests.

John is survived by his wife Helen, two sons Tom Leather (Tina), Joseph and a daughter Laura. Also survived by two step-daughters Helen Tedesco (Joseph) and Susan Hogg (Robert). He is predeceased by three sons, David, Theodore and John W. Leather Jr. John is also survived by a brother Robert, and predeceased by two brothers, Peter and a twin James. Additionally he is survived by eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A service for John was held at Beecher Funeral Home on Saturday September 30, at 10AM, followed by burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the Brewster Fire Department, or Hospice of Westchester and Putnam County,