Obituary of Leon M. Packman

Leon M. "Lee" Packman, of Key West, FL, and long-time resident of Youngstown, NY, passed away peacefully at 81 years of age with family by his side on Sunday, December 31, 2023. Lee was the son of the late Louise B. (Strelow) Packman and stepson of the late Earl A. Packman. Lee was born in Schenectady, NY, graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School, earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from the State University of NY at Albany, and a M.S. in Science Education. Lee enjoyed a 32-year career as an educator in Biology and Physics at Lasalle Senior High School in Niagara Falls, NY. Lee's passion for science and teaching culminated in his nomination for the Teacher in Space program in 1985. Along the way, Lee extended his love of teaching to coaching the LaSalle Ski racing team, worked as a Ski instructor at Kissing Bridge, and directed the LaSalle Senior drama club for over a decade. Lee also enjoyed figure skating and ice dancing, which he soon parlayed into his second career as a judge and technical accountant for U.S. Figure skating for over 20 years. Lee was also an avid weight-trainer, cyclist, and world-traveler; reaching 60 different countries. Lee is survived by his ex-wife and friend Dorothy "Dottie" (Gilsinan) Packman and his 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren: daughter Margaret "Maggie" (Michael) Morgan and grandchildren Timothy "Tim" and Rose Morgan, and Victoria and Cody Ziegenfus; daughter Kathryn Packman and Eric Folker and grandchildren Nathan "Nate" and Lauren; daughter Sharon (Mark) DePlato and grandchildren Patrick and Sean; and daughter Mary Packman. Lee is also survived by his sister Barbara and David Conover, brother William and Shelle Packman, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Friends may call at Hardison Funeral Home, North Fourth & Ridge Sts. Lewiston, on Friday, January 5 from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 6 at 11:30 AM at St. Bernard's RC Church, Second and Hinman Sts., Youngstown, NY. Burial will be Monday, January 8 at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org. .