Leonard A. Weisbeck Sr., 93, died on Thursday, December 3, 2015.

He was a lifelong resident of Alden, a graduate of St. John the Baptist School and a 1940 graduate of Alden High School, where he served as class president.

Leonard was the owner of the Alden Advertiser. He entered into partnership with his father in 1948 and then purchased the Alden Advertiser in 1959 when his father retired after 27 years as publisher. He sold the business to his son, Leonard Jr., in 2000 and remained editor until his death.

He served in the Navy as a Radar Operator in WWII and returned to Alden after his honorable discharge. Leonard married Elizabeth Deitz on February 9, 1946.

Over the years he has been involved in many clubs and organizations within the community of Alden. Leonard was a member of the Board of Directors of the Alden State Bank, an exempt life member of the Alden Hook and Ladder Company (serving as Assistant Captain in 1949), and served on committees for the village centennial and town sesqui-centennial celebrations.

Leonard was a charter member of the Alden Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Director for several years. He was also a charter member of the Alden Historical Society, American Legion Post 1377, VFW Post 7967, and the Alden Rod and Gun Club. He served as town historian for many years.

As a charter member of the Alden Kiwanis Club, Leonard served as its president in 1951 and 1973. As a charter member of the Alden Art Club, Leonard served as its president in 1970 and as secretary for many years.

He was named Distinguished Citizen of the year by the Alden Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and received the Lion’s Club Achievement Award for his unselfish and distinguished services given to the club. Leonard received the Key to the Village of Alden. He was a member of the Lancaster Country Club for many years.

His professional organizations include New York Press Association, National Newspaper Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. He served on the board of directors of the New York Press Association and the former Western New York Offset Press.

He was a trustee for St. John the Baptist Church, and a member of the Parish Council, Ushers Club and Holy Name Society. He recently received a plaque from St. John the Baptist Church in appreciation for outstanding service for finance and parish council and parish trustee from 1954-2013.

Leonard is survived by 8 children: Linda (Ron Carroll) Weisbeck, Leonard “Lee” (Vikki), Jean, Robert (Lisa), Gregory, Lori (Dale) Gramza, Chris (Janet), Susanne (Michael) Galbraith.

He has fifteen grandchildren: BonnieLee (Tom) James, Leonard “LeeJ” (Tammy), Larissa Gramza, Joshua and Mariah Weisbeck, Robert “Drew” Weisbeck, Mike, Kenneth “Dugan”, and Emily Galbraith, Tyler, Jillian, and Jacob Weisbeck, Ron (Kelly) Carroll, Beth (Mike) Smith, and the late Andrew Gramza; eleven great-grandchildren: Tommy, Michael, Katelyn and Jennifer James, Leah, Sarah, and Christian Weisbeck, Kayla and Jordan Smith, Alyssa and Tyler Carroll.

He is also survived by his sister Doris (Weisbeck) Kostecky; brother-in-law, George (Zulma) Deitz; several neices and nephews, and dear friend of Marion Fox.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s RC Church Alden, NY Monday at 9:30 AM (please assemble at church). Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Saturday 6-8 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John’s Church, Hospice Buffalo Inc. or Andrew’s Army. Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com