Obituary of David Leekoff

DAVID LEEKOFF FEBRUARY 3, 1921- AUGUST 21, 2012 David Leekoff, 91 of Weston, Florida died on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at the Memorial Pembroke Hospital in Pembroke Pines, Florida surrounded by his loving family. Born in Brooklyn on February 3, 1921, David grew up in Astoria Queens and was the son of the late Paul and Sophie Kaufman Leekoff. After graduating from Stuyvesant High School in NYC, he began college at City College of New York. He later enlisted in the US Army in May 1942 where he served as staff sergeant in the European Theatre of Operations from 1942-1946. David later resumed and completed his college education on a part time basis earning a Bachelor's degree in business administration. He had been employed in New York's garment industry before meeting and marrying Fraydelle Tucker of Syracuse, in June of 1953. David and Fray moved to Albany from Forest Hills, Long Island and established Stork Diaper Service which they owned and operated until 1991. David loved gardening and enjoyed playing golf with Fray. They had been members of the Tall Timbers Golf Club and later joined the Shaker Ridge Country Club. David and Fray were also former longtime members of Temple Israel until their moving to Florida in 1992. After trying skiing in the early 1960's, David got his whole family involved, something that became a favorite pastime and eventually a profession for his children. David will be remembered by his family and friends in Albany for his love of gardening and his open door policy when it came to children. After more than 30 years residing on Orlando Avenue in Albany, David retired and moved to Fort Lauderdale, where he was able to garden all year round- and did as he could until Parkinson's disease robbed him of this special pleasure. He became a Master Gardner through the Broward County Extension Service and also became a beloved community garden teacher at both Cooper City and Country Isles Elementary schools where he was affectionately known as "Mr. David". David is survived and will be greatly missed but never forgotten by Fraydelle, his wife of 59 years, his daughter Wynne ( and son-in-law Robert Freed), and his son Alan ( and daughter-in-law Demie Moore). Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue Albany on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 1:00pm. Interment will follow in the Temple Israel Cemetery in Guilderland, NY Following the service of interment a reception willl be held at Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208.. Those wishing to remember David in a special way may make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.