Obituary of Leslie Dickinson

South Hadley, Lesllie "Les" A. Dickinson, 93, longtime South Hadley resident, died May 20, 2020.  Born in Holyoke, June 7, 1926, he was the son of Allen and Kathleen (O'Halloran) Dickinson.  A graduate of South Hadley High School in 1944, Les immediately enlisted in the US Air Corps, serving for 2 years on a PT boat in Panama.  He returned home to establish his career in home building, which he did for his whole life.  He also worked for the South Hadley Police Department and was a Constable until the age of 86.  Les was a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.  He loved finding golf balls on the course, which he gifted to friends.  He also loved to entertain and there was always music playing in his home.   Les always looked forward to planting and working in his vegetable garden and in later years, he grew dahlias and filled his home with cut flowers as well as distributing bouquets to friends.   He continued his snow plowing route well into his 80's and was always happy when the snow came so he could get out and open up driveways for his customers.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear wife of 56 years, Estelle Dorothy (Guiel) in 2005.  He is survived by 4 children, Leslie Jr. of Belchertown, Cathy Gianinni and her husband Mark of Terra Verde, FL, Betsy Dickinson of Chicopee  and Ted Dickinson and his wife Joanne of South Hadley along with his four grandchildren, Josh, Ryan & Jenna Dickinson and Nicholas Gianinni.  He also leaves his siblings Christine Dickinson of Venice, FL, and James Dickinson of Hadley and his dear friend, Patricia Pooler.   Due to the current health situation, Les's services will be held privately.   Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the South Hadley Fire District #2 Firefighter Assoc. or the "South Hadley Food Pantry.  Please visit www.beersandstory.com to share a memory of Les with his family.