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Dr. John Leitch, Jr. of Babylon, dedicated his life to education
As the youngest superintendent in Middle Island, Dr. Leitch built the district from the ground up. His staff held classes in a Roman-style building in Middle Island until the schools were built in the district. When he left the district, Middle Island was flourishing. In 1957, Dr. Leitch became the principal of the Cordello Avenue School in Central Islip and then was promoted to superintendent in 1970. In 1960, he wrote a fourth grade social studies textbook, "Exploring Long Island." He retired in 1985. He was a graduate of Babylon High School and attended State Teachers Shippensburg State College in Shippensburg, Pa., where he received his bachelor degree. He earned a master's degree in education at Hofstra University. Following his retirement, he continued with his education and received a Ph. D from Walden Uni versity and the University of Indiana. He also did consulting work for Larry Smith Architect and Dennis Fitzharris Insurance Company. Dr. Leitch and his wife Barbara were married April 24, 1954 at the St. Lawrence Church in Sayville. He and his wife met when he was a lifeguard at Heckscher State Park. He was also a lifeguard at Jones Beach. His wife recalls their first meeting. "He had a nice Irish smile," his wife said, adding that her husband remained active throughout his life, playing golf, and tennis. "He was a good athlete," she said. Dr. Leitch was on the Board of the Salvation Army for many years. "He was a great individual," said Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino. "He always had a smile and always had a positive attitude. That is something that you don't see in many people today." "He brought warmth to everyone he touched, he had a good sense of humor." she said. He is survived by his son John III, daughter Victoria Faas, granddaughter Meghan, daughter Sharron Donnally, and grandchildren, Timothy, Briana, and Kieran.
Dr. Leitch reposed at Chapey Funeral Home 1225 Montauk Hwy., West Islip. A funeral mass was said at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Babylon. Burial was in Babylon cemetery.
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