Leo G. Alvord, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 7, 2022) at home with his wife by his side.
Mr. Alvord was born on February 1, 1941 in Wellsville to Kenneth B. and Marie O. (Leo) Alvord and lived at the Alvord House in Andover growing up. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1967, spending much of his time in Vietnam. On September 2, 1961, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover, he married Patricia M. Freer, who survives.
Leo’s working career centered around trucking. He began his career as a self-employed owner of Alvord Trucking, hauling logs for various lumber producers and ended his career with Baldwin’s Forest Products, Inc., hauling lumber for 8 years, retiring in 2006. In between, he was an over the road trucker for Collins and Simmons in Dansville and later K. J. Transportation, Inc. in Farmington.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Leo is survived by a son, Michael Leo (Tracy) Alvord of Kennesaw, Ga.; a daughter, Michelle Alvord of Wellsville; three sisters, Corrine Glass of Scio, Emily Beyer of Falls Church, Va. and Mary Bolero of Andover; one brother, David “Mickey” (Joan) Alvord of Douglasville, Ga.; three grandchildren, Jordan Lynn Alvord, Michael Christian Alvord and Noah Michael Alvord; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a brother, Norman James (Eileen) Alvord; and three brother’s-in-law. Tom Glass, William Beyer and Richard Bolero.
Leo loved tractors, especially Farmall tractors and he loved anything outside. He enjoyed mowing his yard and tinkering on things. He liked spending time at his hobby farm in Shongo, though it really wasn’t a farm as much as it was a place to enjoy the outdoors and work on his latest project.
For many years, Leo and Pat visited the Alvord family cottage on Waneta Lake. He enjoyed taking his children, nieces and nephews out on the lake, teaching them the finer art of water skiing, operating the boat and anything else that’s fun to do at the lake. He truly had a knack at teaching others how to do things for themselves. Another favorite past-time were the many camping trips to Canada, Thousand Islands and Disney World.
Though Leo’s over-the-road trucking often kept him away from home during the week, he bridged the gap by daily phone calls back home; connecting with his family, asking how their day went and making sure he kept up with the latest news. These many years later, his children appreciate and fondly remember their Dad’s love and effort to be there for them even when separated by the miles. And when home, he loved cheering them on at their sporting events and other activities.
Leo was a long-time member of the Wellsville American Legion and faithfully attended Blessed Sacrament Church, and after moving to Wellsville, attended Immaculate Conception Church.
There will be a time of visitation on Tuesday (October 11) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Robert Agbo as celebrant. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered by the combined Wellsville and Andover American Legion and the United States Army. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
A special thank you to all the caregivers who attended to Leo’s needs during his extended illness, especially Barb, Katelyn and Melissa. You were truly a blessing.
Memorial contributions in Leo’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813 or to Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.