Norman Leathers

SOUTHBRIDGE  Norman E. Leathers, 98, of 366 Breakneck Road, died Sunday, March 12 at the home of his niece, Linda (Tetreault) Denis and her husband, Richard Denis in Holland where he has resided for the past seven years. His wife of 62 years, Alice (Tetreault) Leathers, died on May 3, 1996. He was born April 24, 1907 in Worcester, son of Martha (Salyer) Leathers and Henry R. Leathers. He moved from Holyoke to Southbridge in 1914. He was a longtime resident of Southbridge. He leaves a son, Norman H. Leathers and daughter-in-law Margarethia (Op't Landt) Leathers of Miami, Fla. He was predeceased by sisters: Dorothy Liebfried and Virginia Chamberlin and one childhood brother, Ralph Leathers. He graduated from the vocational school in what is now the Southbridge Town Hall on Elm Street and from Northeastern University with a degree in engineering science. He was employed by the American Optical Co. from 1923 as a draftsman until his retirement in 1970 as superintendent of buildings and construction. At the request of members of the Wells family he was instrumental in some of the layout and buildings at Old Sturbridge Village at its inception. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Southbridge and the Quinebaug Masonic Lodge, Melha Shriners, Doric Royal Arch Chapter, Hiram Council F & S.M. York Rite and Knights Templar. The funeral will be held Thursday, March 16 from the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge, with a service at 10 a.m. in the United Methodist Church of Southbridge, Main Street. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.