It is with great sadness that the family of Leland J. Lacy Jr. announces his passing on December 19, 2022. Born on April 9, 1942 to the late Leland Sr. and Henrietta (Hipfl) Lacy, Lee was over 80 years old. He was a lifelong resident of Middleburgh and known for his humor, quick wit, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and friends.

Lee served in the United States Navy after his graduation from Middleburgh High School in 1960. He received an honorable discharge in 1966 and went on to hold countless positions in local and county government after a career as a machine operator and non-destructive testing team for General Electric steam turbines. He retired in 2006 after serving as a Middleburgh Town Councilman, Middleburgh Town Supervisor, Clerk of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, County Purchasing Agent, and Director of the Department of Weights and Measures. Lee was also a member and past Captain of the Middleburgh Fire Department.

Lee met Terry, the love of his life, in 1980 and were married May 28, 1983. They have one son, Matthew Theron, born in 1988. Lee is survived by his brothers Martin (Bernice) and Richard (Linda) of Florida, George (Sherry) of Delanson; sisters Alice (George) Beam of Montana, Kathy Diamond of Middleburgh, brother-in-law George Ruffcorn, sister-in-law Mary Bixby, both of Middleburgh, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who are just like family to us all. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Carol and Marie.

After retirement, Lee returned to serve his community through the Cobleskill Lodge #2040 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He enjoyed the fellowship and community of many Elk friends and their families, and served as Exalted Ruler (President) during the 2008-2009 fraternal year, proudly initiating his wife and son during his term. Elected to Life Membership in 2012, he maintained continuous membership in the Order for 56 years, attending many National Elks Conventions with his son as voting representatives of the Schoharie Valley. It was his distinct pleasure to invest his son as he traveled through the officer positions in the Elks, including Exalted Ruler in 2014. Lee also made sure that the youth of the community were able to enjoy the Boy Scout program and served as Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman for Troop 58 sponsored by the Fultonham Union Church.

Lee enjoyed softball in his younger years and a good party or two at the Lamp Post or Main Rail. He was a fan of baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers and their occasional runs in the World Series, and enjoyed football and his two-time Superbowl champion Baltimore Ravens. He enjoyed gardening, bowling, snowmobiling, fishing, camping, going for walks around town, driving around the county "just to drive," and companionship with his many pets, including his daschaund Rascal.

There was never a shortage of stories, jokes, strange songs that made "perfect sense" (and often rhymed without trying), or the occasional whistle of some tune he had made up. He was also known for his "Lee-isms," his take on the English language that (always) needed some unraveling. Marshmallow Peeps became "sticky chicks," Honey Bunches of Oats became "Honey Buns of Oats," and countless others.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation with Lee's family from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC. 134 River Street, Middleburgh.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Funeral Home. A reception will be held at the Cobleskill Elks Lodge at 152 Legion Drive following the funeral service. Burial with Military Honors will be in Middleburgh Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial contributions in Lee's name may be made to the Elks National Foundation (via Cobleskill Lodge #2040 at PO Box 478, Cobleskill, NY 12043) or the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.

The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Ellis Hospital for their incredible professionalism and exceptional care, as well as his many specialists and care teams.