Leon King Gildersleeve

Leon King Gildersleeve, known by all as "Gil" passed away on April 24th, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Albany, NY at the age of 84. Born on December 16th, 1929 in Poughkeepsie, NY he was the son of the late Harold Gildersleeve and Edith Light.

Gil's strong faith in God, and his unwavering love for his family and country defined his very being. Gil proudly served as a US Marines Weapons Instructor from 1947-1954. He loved being a Marine, and at 80 years old wanted to rejoin to serve his country again. As a civilian, he moved on to carpentry for many years and eventually retired as a truck driver. He was a loving father of 4 sons and 2 daughters and a devoted husband and loving grandfather. Gil loved nature and animals as well. After retirement he discovered a passion for oil painting and enjoyed spending time with family.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Trudy Gildersleeve; daughter Wendy Lundin (Eric) of Arizona; sons Duane Gildersleeve of N.C.; Shane Gildersleeve of Valatie, NY; Brian (Barb) Gildersleeve of Schodack, NY; Kris (Sherry) Gildersleeve of Germantown , NY; brother Harold Gildersleeve of Poughkeepsie, NY along with 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his late brother Marvin (Richard), his late sister Doris, and late daughter Cindy.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at the Hudson Boat Club, 23 Ferry St, Hudson, NY Sunday May 4th at 2pm.

There will be no calling hours as Leon chose to donate his remains in the hope that he may help others through research. Arrangements made by Peck & Peck Funeral Home, Copake, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 in Leon's name.

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