Leland David Aldrich

Leland (Lee) David Aldrich, 78, of Bogart, GA passed away Friday, November 6, 2020 after a long, courageous battle with COPD.

Devoted husband of 53 years, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Lee was born July 4, 1942 in Rochester, New York.  He was one of six children, a son of the late Albert and Margaret (MacMillan) Aldrich who valued family most of all.

Lee spent most of his childhood in Pittsford, New York.  He developed boundless energy and a tremendous work ethic as a child, working constantly with his father on various enterprises including, growing and selling daffodils in the Spring, cash crops in the Summer sold from a vegetable stand in the yard, and selling Christmas Trees and delivering firewood in the winter.  He attended the Pittsford Presbyterian Church, played on one of the first Little League teams in Pittsford (even helped build Bob Ford Field!), and was an original scum jumper on the Erie Canal.  Lee also found time to play Varsity Soccer, for Ray Davison.  As a sophomore, he helped lead the PHS soccer team to its first undefeated season in 1958, recording 6 shutouts as their goalie.  On the Varsity Basketball team, he was Charlie Miller’s 6th man defensive and rebounding specialist. Entering the game to chants of we want ‘Animal’ (his nickname) from the crowd, he helped the Knights win the Monroe County Class A league championship in 1961.  A natural athlete, he also participated in Track and Wrestling at PHS when time allowed.  In addition, Lee led several youth programs for the YMCA including some of the first YMCA Camp Arrowhead and Grey Y activities. He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer.

After graduating from Pittsford High School in 1961, Lee attended SUNY Oswego where he participated in Freshman Soccer and Basketball.  He was drafted by the US Army and served his country from 1964-66.  During this time, he was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam and narrowly escaped a VC bombing of Tan Son Nhut airbase on April 13, 1966 – the day he was supposed to fly home.

After returning from Vietnam, Lee joined his brothers Jack and Roy (also Veterans) in business. They went on to form Aldrich Associates and worked together until 1978 as manufacturing reps for major corporations including Delta, Fram, and Hercules.  Lee joined Eastman Kodak in 1978 and moved into a new Clinical Diagnostics division until 1992 when it was spun off to Johnson & Johnson, where he retired in 1998.

Lee lived most of his adult life in Pittsford and Henrietta, New York where he served as a volunteer coach for Soccer and Basketball for nearly 20 years in Pittsford and Henrietta. A teacher and gifted coach at heart, Lee touched the lives of hundreds of young boys through his community involvement and was recognized by the Town of Henrietta for his service. He was also a member of the Northfield Masonic Lodge, VFW, American Legion in Pittsford NY.  He led the first group of Vietnam Veteran’s to march in Pittsford’s Memorial Day parade in 1977. In addition, Lee went above and beyond to support family during challenging times.  In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, yard work, and home improvement projects.

Surviving are his wife Margaret E. Aldrich (Mee); sons Jason (Courtney) Aldrich of Bogart, Georgia; Erik (Marie)  Aldrich, of  Warrington, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Elizabeth Aldrich, Leslie Aldrich, Ryan Aldrich, Troy Aldrich,  Emily Aldrich, Taylor Aldrich, Avery Aldrich, and Paige MacMillan Aldrich. Sister Dorothy (Wayne) Oakes of Florida, and sister-in-law Mieko, wife of late brother A.L. (Roy) Aldrich of New York.  He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by three brothers A. John (Jack), A.L. (Roy) and Theodore and his sister Marion.

At a later date, a gathering of friends and family will be held at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd. Pittsford, NY 14534. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made "In memory of Lee Aldrich" to Armed Services YMCA, www.give.asymca.org or K9’s for Warriors www.k9sforwarriors.org .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com