Andrew Leeds

1914 - 2014

PETERBOROUGH - Andrew Leeds of Peterborough died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 100 on Aug. 13, 2014. Born June 18, 1914 in New York City to an immigrant Jewish family from Hungary, he was the youngest of seven children, all of whom predeceased him. He walked a beat as an NYPD patrolman for 21 years, and after this first career taught in New York inner city schools for 17 more years.

Andy was fortunate in his choice of mates. He was married to his great love, the late Paula Stark, for 53 years, during which time they had three children: Mark Leeds (who predeceased him in 1984), Linda Field of Peterborough, and Barry Leeds of Bristol, Conn. After Paula's death, Andy had an 18 year loving relationship with Florence Ross. They lived together in Tamarac, Fla. until 2011, when Florence died. Since 2011 he had lived at Summerhill Assisted Living facility where his constant and devoted companion was Jean Palmer. He was predeceased by a granddaughter Leslie Leeds.

In addition to his son and daughter, Andy is survived by three grandchildren: Brett Ashley Leeds Woods of Houston, Texas; Daniel Field of Savannah, Ga.; and Sarah Field of Oakland, Calif.; two great grandchildren: Gavin Leeds Woods and Julia Leeds Woods, and many devoted nieces and nephews who consider Uncle Andy's death the end of the era of their parents' generation.

Although he will be missed, his long and fruitful life and painless death ameliorate the deep sadness of his surviving family. He was, indeed, one of a kind.