Leon O. Updike

Leon O. Updike, Age 86, of Montour Falls, NY and formerly of Gillett, PA passed away Friday, June 6, 2025 in Cortland, NY. He was born October 4, 1938 in Sayre, PA son of the late Charles Leon Updike and Clara (Bristol) Updike. Leon belonged to the class of '55 at Troy High School. He began a 2 1/2 year apprenticeship with Cherokee Glass in Binghamton, NY, Journeyman with Hires Turner in Elmira, then Chromoloid, then Elmira Glass Division in 1984. There was a write-up featuring Leon installing the interior glass in the Corning Glass Decker Building. In 1990 he opened his own business known as Montour Glass and Mirror. Leon “retired” in January 2025. Leon was a member of the Glaziers Union, regularly attended Odessa Baptist Church and was a former member of Fassett Baptist Church. Leon was a regular patron of local diners and ice cream shops, and made it a point to build relationships that will make him missed in Montour Falls for much time to come. Besides his dedication to keeping his grass mowed, he enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR, and especially loved nature channels. He had a daily routine of rising early, prayer, exercise and meals at his favorite local diners where he often enjoyed bantering with the waitresses and showed he really cared about their lives. Leon made time for his kids and grandkids wherever they were and enjoyed an adventure of a lifetime with his youngest daughter to Alaska.

Surviving are his children; Rene' Greuber (Jeffrey), Julee Ferreira (Randy), Curtis Updike(Tracy), Tammy Updike(Sarah), six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his sister; Christine "Kit" Freeman, brother-in law Vernon Forsterling, his former wife; Anna Benson, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leon was predeceased by his parents, brother; Alton Updike(Genevieve) sisters; Charlotte Forsterling, Clarabelle Decker, brothers-in-law, LaRue and Richard Freeman. Leon's children wish to express their deepest gratitude to the employees at Cortland Park, Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their very personalized care they gave their Dad.

Family and friends are invited to call Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Leon’s service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11 AM with Brian Bieler of the Odessa Baptist Church officiating. Family will convene at Gillett Cemetery, Gillett, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Montour Falls Fire Department, 111 Lee Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865