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LEA, WILLIAM H. JR., 81

(by Week of Sept. 24, 2008 - September 24, 2008)
LEA, WILLIAM H. JR., 81, of Wanakena, NY, died September 14 at the Clinton-Fine Hospital Nursing Home with his family at his side. He was born in Manhattan, Dec. 22, 1926, the son of William and Eunice (Decker) Lea. He attended school on Staten Island. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1945. He is a graduate of Norwich University, class of 1950. After graduation he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and served as an intelligence officer during the Korean War, stationed in northern Japan. After active service, he served as a member of the Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of major in November of 1966. He married Rosalie Staples on June 2, 1951, in Christ Church in Montpelier. He worked in sales for Crawford Construction Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa. They operated the snack bar in Northfield in the 1950s. He was later employed by Monarch Life Insurance Co., serving as an agent in Vermont and New Hampshire. He advanced to the position of training agents in Maine and New Hampshire and earned the prestigious "Master's in Insurance" - CLU prior to retiring in 1987. In Staten Island he served as an acolyte at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and served as a Scout Master and president of the St. Alban's Episcopal Church Youth Club. He was a lay reader in the church in Cape Elizabeth, Maine; he served as president of the Portland Camera Club, 46 Club, and Power Squadron and enjoyed outdoor activities including, sailing, hiking, camping and skiing. He was an avid photographer, enjoyed leather working, and was a skilled woodcraftsman. He was also a 52-year member of the Dewitt Clinton Masonic Lodge in Northfield. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie of Wanakena, N.Y.; a daughter, Pamela Lea-Maida of Gaithersburg, Md.; two sisters, Virginia Peters of Cleves, Ohio, and Primrose McVay and husband, George of Staten Island; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Gregg William Lea and a sister, Jane Lauro.