Leighton M. Ripley

Leighton M. Ripley, 90, of McGraw, NY, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020, at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY, while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pitcher, NY, on January 31, 1929, Leighton was the son of the late Marion and Thelma Briggs Ripley.  A lifelong resident of this area, he attended McGraw Central School and was a member of the McGrawville Baptist Church.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a 60-plus year member of the American Legion Post #775 in McGraw.  He was also a member of the McGraw Fire Department and the McGraw Sportsman’s Club.  He retired from Suburban Propane, Cortland, after several years of service.  Leighton was well-known as the lawnmower man and enjoyed fixing and repairing lawnmowers, snowblowers, and anything with a small engine.  In his spare time, he was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed picking blackberries.

He is survived by his children, Lee (Teresa) Ripley of McGraw, and Tia (Rusty) Stokes of Tully.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Stephen (Angie) Ripley, Kira (David) Holland, Casey (David) Abbasi, Jason Brown, and Megan (Craig) Powers; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Ripley, on July 1, 2009; a brother, Dale Ripley; and a sister, Lois Ujvary.

Memorial services, with military honors, for Leighton will be held at the McGrawville Baptist Church, McGraw, NY, on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. with his pastor, Reverend Fran Cochran, officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in McGraw Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 4:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Leighton may be directed to the McGrawville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 517, McGraw, NY 13101.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Leighton's caregivers who made it possible for him to stay in his own home.  Your compassion and care are deeply appreciated.