Leslie

John Ferguson Leslie, a longtime resident of Valencia, passed away peacefully at the Greensburg Care Center on March 2, 2008, at the age of 81.

He was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Butler County to John Morrow Leslie and Ellen Ferguson Leslie.

A graduate of Slippery Rock University, he received a degree in mathematics with a minor in physical science. He later earned his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Leslie started his career teaching math at Butler and Hampton High Schools. This was followed by 24 years teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County. At this time, he co-authored a math textbook, "Core Mathematics," that was published by Scott Foresman.

During his whole life, he also operated a small, homestead farm in Middlesex Township, which was his passion.

Mr. Leslie was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, serving as a Sunday school teacher, auditor, trustee and elder. He was the founding secretary of the Richland Youth Foundation, a committee member for local Boy Scouts and the leader for the Richland Explorer Scouts. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, where he helped as a travelogue chairperson, club chairman and treasurer. Until his illness at age 79, he helped deliver for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by one son, John D. Leslie of Pittsburgh; one daughter, Terry L. Zorch of Greensburg; two sisters, Virginia Lipinski of Sun City Center, Fla., and Eleanor Schoulda of Winston Salem, N.C.; four grandchildren, Kari Iacono, and Rebecca, Laura and Michael Zorch; and one great-grandchild, Jordan Iacono.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Seitz Leslie, and his twin sister, Mary.

<B>LESLIE</B> — The Leslie family will welcome friends of John Ferguson Leslie, who died Sunday, March 2, 2008, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME</B>, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown.Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, and everyone should meet at the church. The Rev. Daniel Muttart will officiate. Interment will follow in Bakerstown Cemetery.The family suggests contributions be made to the Lighthouse Foundation, P.O. Box 366, Bakerstown, PA 15007.Please find condolences and directions at www.schellhaasfh.com.