Julian J. Leh

Julian J. Leh, 80, of 900 Brattleboro Road passed away Saturday (8-14-21) at Poet’s Seat Health Care Center in Greenfield. He was born in Greenfield December 1, 1940 the son of Henry and Mildred (Gorman) Leh.

Affectionately known as “Judge”, he attended Greenfield Public Schools and was a graduate of Greenfield High School class of 1958.  Judge joined the Army National Guard in July of 1963.  Stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to the I Company Second Training Regiment for basic training, graduating March 26, 1964.  He served on active duty for six months, before being transferred to hometown duty with the National Guard B Company, Second Battalion 104th Infantry Regiment.  He was honorably discharged after six years of service in July of 1969 at the rank of Specialist 4, the highest of the U.S. Army’s junior enlisted ranks. 

In 1960 he joined the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 104, eventually becoming Vice President of the Union.  He worked at various locations throughout New England. Notable locations include Holyoke Valve and Hydrant Company, Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Power Station, Northfield Mountain, UMass Amherst, the Collins/Moylan Arena, Old Deerfield, and the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in Waterford, CT.  He finally found his work “home” in 1980 at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vernon, VT.  He worked for several different union subcontractors at VY including Mercury Company, Fischbach Power Services, and finally NPS until his retirement in 2005. 

Julian met his future wife, the former Janice Raymond, in 1972, upon her return from living in Florida.  They married on October 25, 1974 at the United Church of Bernardston. 

Julian was a member of many local fraternal organizations.  He was a 56 year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1296 being inducted on May 25, 1965, a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose #997 and a 51 year member of the Republican Lodge A.F. & A.M. rising to the sublime degree of Master Mason on January 8, 1970, and a member of the Amherst Royal Arch Chapter of Masons of Massachusetts. 

Julian was an avid fan of muscle cars and motorcycles, owning several of his own, and attending shows when he had the chance.  He loved to cruise and travel, making stops in the Florida Keys, Las Vegas, Maine, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cape Cod, and his favorite Long Beach - half in Gloucester and half in Rockport, MA.  He enjoyed ocean kayaking, deep sea fishing, dancing, and spending time with friends and family, as always any activity with Judge involved libations. 

Julian leaves his wife of 46 years, Janice, his children, Jonathan Leh and his wife Rebecca of Dracut, Thea Leh of Turners Falls, and Steven Leh of Greenfield, four grandchildren Jordan, Julienne, Georgia, and Evelyn. He also leaves his twin sister, Barbara Ann Page and her husband Richard, of Sebastian, FL and a nephew Russell Page and his wife Lia, of Viera, FL along with several cousins, three great nephews and a great niece.  He was predeceased by his parents and a niece, Susan Page.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 3 at Kostanski Funeral Home 1 Kostanski Square at 11 AM. Calling hours will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, September 2 at the funeral home.  A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Julian’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Poet’s Seat Health Care Center for the care and compassion extended to him and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bernardston Police Department, Bernardston Fire Association, or the Northfield EMS.    

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com           

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