Edwin S. Leavitt

EPPING – Edwin S. Leavitt, 88, of Epping, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Concord Hospital following complications due to COVID-19 after leading an extremely proud, active and independent life.

 Born on August 10, 1932 in S. Royalton, VT; he was the son of the late Levi Dudley and Josephine Marian (Moore) Leavitt.

 Edwin was educated in the local schools and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy and later in the US Army National Guard as a firefighter for over 20 years.  He would continue discussing and promoting the Navy for the rest of his life.

 Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Supervisor of Production for many years at AT&T/Lucent Technology.  Education was important to him as was evident through the various anti-discrimination/inclusion and efficiency classes he took during his time at AT&T.

 In earlier years, Ed belonged to the local bowling league and enjoyed dancing and camping.  An avid reader, he especially enjoyed literature on the military and U.S. history, autobiographies, firefighting tales and outdoorsman adventures.

 Edwin was a family man above all else. Time with his family meant the world to him, especially during gatherings and trips to the beach and other spots for a picnic and exploration. He was a history buff and the consummate genealogist. He loved to tinker, repairing anything he found (including tractors, sewing machines, lamps and old metal toys just to name a few!) and collect military patches and uniforms and M&M memorabilia.  He frequented flea markets, auctions and yard sales, always finding a deal, tinkering with his purchases and turning them around for 10 times the price he paid, which delighted him.  Collecting and rehoming brass and repairing old fiddles were other activities which brought him great delight. There was no one thing that defined Edwin, he enjoyed them all.

 Ed was a member of the Military Vehicle Collector’s Club and had owned various vintage military vehicles.  In 2019, he was honored by the American Legion with a ceremony and 50-year membership plaque.  He was an avid supporter and volunteer for many special causes.  His lack of affection for cooking was evident through his ardent support of the local restaurants.  He would socialize and talk with everyone.  He had a passion for music, especially playing the guitar, ukulele and keyboard.

 His sense of humor and knack for causing mischief brought smiles to everyone’s faces, including the nurses at the hospital in his last few days.

 Ed was predeceased by his brother, Bud Leavitt.

 He is survived by his daughters, Rayne Leavitt-Esmel and her husband, Steve, of Pembroke and Kim Baillie and her husband, Paul, of Bourne, MA; his siblings, Marjorie Van Alystyne, Marian Whittaker, Elizabeth Stetson, John Leavitt and Jeannie Rikert all of Vermont as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was the grandfather to Dawn M. Payeur, Heather L. Payeur, and Danielle M. Buck and great grandfather to Ethan Clark, Amelia Clark, Harper Clark, and Owen Buck.

 In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services at this time.  In lieu of flowers, as evidenced by his amusing re-use of items and abstract art created to decorate his home and gardens, please honor Edwin by his mantra: “Reduce, Reuse. Recycle. Make Do or Do Without.”   A gathering and tree planting will be held at a later date.  Visit  https://www.facebook.com/edwin.leavitt.7 for f/u information or to share stories.      Assisting the family with arrangements is the Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home in Epsom.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.stilloaks.com

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