John D. Legg, 83

John D. Legg, 83, of Skaneateles, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, May 21, 2016. A kind soul, John brought joy to those around him. Born at West Point, N.Y., the son of Montgomery Taft Legg, a career U.S. Army officer from Spafford, N.Y., and Ellen MacPherson Legg, John grew up moving to his father’s Army postings ultimately settling in Asheville, NC. He graduated Christ School in Asheville. He spent his summers at the family cottage near Ten Mile Point on Skaneateles Lake. After attending The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, flying patrols in the Pacific. After completing his naval aviation service and piloting as a civilian crop duster, he attended Syracuse University.
John and Anne Virginia Stinson married in 1957, embarking on their loving journey to raise six children in Skaneateles. She passed in 1999, but he rejoined her on her birthday. His employment career included widely varied jobs in manufacturing, sales, insurance, construction and maintenance. He retired from the Town of Skaneateles Water and Recreation departments, best known for a ready smile to generations of hockey players and figure skaters. A longstanding American Legion member including past commander of Skaneateles Robert J. Hydon Post 239 and usher for decades at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Roman Church, John proudly served others promoting community.
He loved watching Syracuse Orange and Skaneateles Laker sports teams. He bravely cheered his Cleveland Browns. A hockey fanatic, the Lakers and Montreal Canadiens drew his greatest interest. But he focused attention on the activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. A lifelong learner, he practiced and encouraged inquiry. With his wife Anne he celebrated the academic success of their children and grandchildren. They strongly supported the arts, particularly music and theater in the family and community. They enjoyed travel near and far as adventure and education.
John is survived by his children, Chris (Nancy Thomas) of Skaneateles, Carolyn of Skaneateles, Stephen of Hilton Head Island, SC, Tim (Doug Wingo) of Hudson, N.Y., Betsey Madden (Bob) of Hamburg, N.Y., and Andy (Julie) of Skaneateles. He is also survived by grandchildren, Courtney of Washington, D.C., Brendan of Skaneateles, Owen and Matthew Sheppard of Skaneateles, Molly, Mitch, and Tim Madden of Hamburg, N.Y., and Maddie, Ellie, and Jack Legg of Skaneateles.
The family wishes to thank the extraordinary support to John by many, especially the staffs of the Athenaeum, his home for years, Auburn Community Hospital and Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services (SAVES).
Funeral mass : 10 a.m. Friday, May 27, at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles . There are no calling hours, but all are invited to a reception in Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church parish hall immediately following the funeral mass. The family plans a private internment at a later date.
Contributions in John’s memory can be made to the Spafford Area Historical Society (SAHS) PO Box 250 Marietta NY 13110.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.