Leo J. Cieslak, 84, of Knoxboro Road, Oriskany Falls, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center. He was born in Utica on September 16, 1925, the son of Walter and Agatha Banach Cieslak and attended Utica schools. Proudly serving our country, he was a World War II veteran of the US Navy. On July 26, 1947, Leo began his loving marriage to Stella Wolanski at Holy Trinity Church in Utica. He was a 50 year member of the Local 112 United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry from which he retired in 1986. He was also a life member of the Kelley-Phillips American Legion Post #569 of which he was a Past Commander and served various offices for over 40 years. Leo enjoyed retirement, where he spent much of his time volunteering in the Village of Oriskany Falls. He was a charter and life member of the Limestone Ridge Historical Society where he shared his love of local history. Leo helped with many projects at the Kelley-Phillips Post, the Historical Society, the Clark Memorial Library, and St Joseph's Church, of which he was a member. Leo was a lighthearted man with a infinite collection of jokes and stories to tell to whoever was around to listen. He made every outing an adventure, whether driving across the country with Stella and his sons, fishing trips to Canada, or a few laps around the yard with his grandchildren in the tractor cart. He also took great pride in his woodworking projects and gardening. Surviving are his adored wife of sixty-three years, Stella; one sister, Helen Lebiednik of NY Mills; one brother, Stanley Cieslak of Utica; three sons, Joseph Cieslak of Oriskany Falls, James and his wife, Donna Cieslak of Waterville, and John and his wife Jan Cieslak of Lowville; four grandchildren, Heather, Kevin, Alicia and Monica; one great-grandson, Brycen; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers and five sisters. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for Leo on Tuesday at 10 am at St. Joseph's Church, 229 Main Street, Oriskany Falls. Calling hours will be held on Monday, from 4 until 7 pm at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main Street, Waterville. Interment with military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Members of the Kelley-Phillips Post will meet Monday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. The family extends special thanks to the Volunteer Ambulance members.