Obituary of Frank Robert Leja

"Belchertown, Frank R. Leja, Sr., 62, died suddenly on Wednesday. Born in Holyoke June 25, 1945, he was a lifelong resident of Belchertown. He served his country in the Air Force during Vietnam achieving the rank of Sergeant. His skills and aptitude for machine design carried him through his professional career. He worked for many companies, served as a consultant to others, and ultimately started his own company in 1979, RTF Inc. He most recently co-founded Craufurd Manufacturing LLC in Belchertown. Frank holds several patents in machine and electronics design. A passionate golfer, he was a member of the Orchards, and, among other courses, had recently golfed at The Belfry in England. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 44 years, Ruth (Dodge) Leja, a daughter Tammy Russell and her husband William of Monson, a son Frank, Jr. and his wife Tanya of Belchertown, along with his four cherished grandchildren, Ben, Hannah, and Adriana Russell, and Jocelyn Leja. He also leaves 3 sisters and two brothers of the area (Joyce, Robert, Laurie, Linda and Dennis). A Service of Remembrance will be Sunday April 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St., followed by burial in South Cemetery. Calling hours are Saturday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. For those wishing, donations may be made to the Frank R. Leja, Sr., Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizen's Bank, Belchertown. "