DAVID ROBERT LESLIE

1947 - 2023

BORN

1947

DIED

2023

About

Landmark School Brandeis University Harvard University

DAVID LESLIE Obituary

LESLIE, David Robert Educator, Community Builder, Friend David Robert Leslie, 75, resident of Cambridge, MA, and Granville, VT, for over 45 years, passed away at his home in Cambridge surrounded by his family on February 25, 2023, from myelodysplastic syndrome. Born in Lowell, MA, in 1947, David was the younger son of Roger and Evelyn Leslie. He grew up with his older brother, Roger in Chelmsford, MA, the Philadelphia area, and Burrillville, RI. David was an alum of Harvard College (1969), and the Heller School at Brandeis University (1984). He met his wife, Clare Walker Leslie on the streets of Harvard Square in 1972 and they wed in 1975. David was an avid skier and hiker, ardent Boston sports fan, lover of his Scottish ancestry, and devoted to two things: service to others and to his family. He gave of himself as an educator teaching at the Landmark School and Charles River Academy, principal at the Palfrey Street School, and Executive Director of the Threshold Program at Lesley University. He gave to his community serving as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Civic Association, Executive Director of Food For Free, and sat on several non-profit boards dedicated to education and protecting democracy. Above all else, was his love of and dedication to his friends and his family. He loved spending time with all of them at his house in Vermont, affectionately called "Redmont," making campfires and sitting by the pond listening to bluegrass with a nice cigar. He is survived by his loving wife, Clare; two children, Eric and Anna; their respective spouses, Dr. Jenny Chiang and Jules Williams; his grandchildren, Hazel and Lydia Leslie; and his sister-in-law, Evelyn Leslie and her family. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of David this spring. For information about the Celebration, please email [email protected]. In remembrance of David's charitable work, the family requests donations be made in his honor to Solutions at Work in Cambridge at solutionsatwork.org/donate

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 28 to Mar. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID LESLIE

11 Entries

Judy Brown

July 20, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. I taught mathematics at Palfrey Street School from 1984-1991 and enjoyed working under his leadership there. My condolences to Claire, Eric, & Anna. Sincerely, Judy Brown

Earl McWilliams

May 3, 2023

Dave was a class act. He was a brilliant academic, the smartest guy in our class, and one of the funniest with a great laugh and a personality that was joyous and infective. I am learning about his lifelong community building work for the first time, but am not surprised.
He cared about others more than he cared about himself
over sixty years ago when I first met him. His passing really saddens me, but I am proud to have called him a friend.

Phyllis Menken

April 5, 2023

I had the privilege of working with David when I was a board member during his tenure at Palfrey Street School. Our friendship continued for many years. David had an open heart and a lively mind. He loved his family and he loved to serve the larger community. David was gift to us all.

Linda Brennan

March 7, 2023

David was a very dedicated educator, and he was a wonderful Director at Lesley University. It is so sad to hear of his passing.

Arlyn Roffman

March 7, 2023

So very sorry to hear of David's passing. He was warm and caring and respectful, and I have fond memories of his days at Threshold. Deepest condolences to all who loved him.

Liz Friedman

March 7, 2023

Dear The Lesley´s
My name is Liz Friedman and David Lesley was my director at Threshold. I´m very sorry for the loss of David. I´m sending my comfort and condolences.
Warmly Liz Friedman

Henrietta

March 3, 2023

I´m so sorry to hear of David´s passing. He was a kind and sweet man with a lot of integrity. My heart b goes out to Clare, Eric and Anna. A great loss! Sincere condolences from me and Richard.

Soraya Harley

March 2, 2023

My sincere condolence on the passing of Mr Leslie!
Lifting his wife, Eric, Ana, the grandchildren & everyone else hat lives he touched up in prayer

Niki Rockwell

March 2, 2023

David was such a compassionate laidback man to work with more than for. I worked at Charles River Academy with David and learned so much about letting much of drama roll off and remain calm and consistent. He was generous sharing his family home in Vermont for staff retreats for team building and fun. He was a strong role model and a very good man. I spoke with David about 10 years ago when he was working for getting accessible food for families in Cambridge. I needed his help, but he took time interested in what I had been doing since CRA and we laughed that we were old enough to retire but probably wouldn't be. The world is a lesser place without his presence.

Roger Comes

March 2, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I got to know him when I lived at the Old Hotel in Hancock and working at Hubbard's Store also in Hancock. He was such a nice man to me and always said hi when he came to town. My sincerest condolences to Claire and his children at this time of David's passing. May David Rest In Peace and God Bless.

Michael Sullivan

February 28, 2023

To the Leslie Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

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