Leland “Lee” John Irish, age 76, died at his residence on January 5, 2025. Born in Niskayuna, NY and raised in Schenectady, Lee was the son of the late Raymond Irish and Dorothy (Rach) Irish. Lee and his bride, Susan, married at Charley Lake, Wells, NY in 1999. They were “snowbirds” since 2006 maintaining the family homestead in Wells. Lee had a 37 year career as an Engineer Technician for the New York State Transportation Department where he inspected roads and bridges in “the north” country. After retiring from the state, he went on to become a consultant for private contractors doing road and bridge building and inspections for another 12 years.
In Wells, Lee and Susan were very involved with their community, planning and directing the “Old Home Days Parade” for 14 years. Lee was a member of the Wells United Methodist Church and the Fish House Lodge #298 F. & A.M. in Northville, NY. Lee and Susan became permanent residents of Inverness, Florida in 2020. An active member of the Inverness First United Methodist Church, Lee was also a member of the American-Italian Social Club of Citrus County and the New York Club of Citrus County. Lee and Susan enjoyed spending their time participating in Civil War Reenactments around the state.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 25 years, Susan; daughters, Megan Irish, Darlene Horton, Laurinda Crandall and Georgette Brown; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 12:00 Noon, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Lois Wolfe; eulogy by the Rev. Dr. Sarah Campbell. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time, at the Davis Funeral Home chapel. The family requests that memorial donations please be made in Lee’s memory to Inverness First United Methodist Church, 1140 Turner Camp Road Inverness, FL 34453 or to Wells United Methodist Church, State Rte. 30, Wells, NY 12190. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care, Inverness.
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Lee became my Adirondack father soon after I bought my camp at the shore of Charlie Lake in 1996. He supported me in every practical way, and taught me values I would have never learned elsewhere–always by example. He always listened to me with his blue eyes wide open, when I had a problem, and measured his words wisely when giving advice. I loved and respected Lee, and will forever miss his explosive laugh and his quiet company.
Farewell to a friend, confidant and adopted father. Lee was one of a kind: practical, empathetic, welcoming and a true American patriot. He lived life at its fullest and transmitted that desire to others day in, day out. In the long and cold Adirondacks winters, he provided warmth to those who came near him (particularly with his Christmas lights that could be spotted from the Space Station ;-). In the warm and humid summers of Charlie Lake, he brought everyone together to celebrate the season and his beloved 4th of July (Fireworks could also been seen from outer space). I will forever be grateful for the love he — and the love of his life Sue — gave to myself and my family. Although his departure leaves a huge void in our lives, we will keep holding to his memory in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace, Dad. Love you and respect you. Felipe
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