NATICK: James Z. Leshinski, age 76, a longtime Natick resident and retired auto mechanic, died peacefully at his home early Sunday morning, May 1, 2016, after a long illness. Among those by his side was his devoted wife of 57 years, Marilou (McGinn) Leshinski.
Born in Pringle, PA, he was the son of the late Zigmund and Anne (Dervinas) Leshinski. Jim was raised and educated in Kingston Township, and following his high school graduation joined the US Marine Corps. After basic training he was assigned to the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot.
Jim and Marilou met on a double date in 1958, married that September, and made their home in Quincy while Jim finished his time in the service. Jim was employed with Jordan Marsh when he, Marilou, and their growing family settled into their home in Natick. Always one to work on cars, Jim eventually decided to leave Jordan Marsh in favor of auto repair and was soon busy as a local mechanic. He also worked with antique vehicles, at one point completely restoring a vintage Rolls Royce.
Active for many years with the Natick Boy Scouts Troop 2, Jim also worked with the Natick Recreation and Parks Department for several years while coaching Pop Warner Football. A former Jaycee and Natick Senior’s Writer’s Guild member, Jim enjoyed his home, being with his family, reading and gardening.
He is survived by Marilou; their children, James F. Leshinski and his wife Debbie of Franklin, Paul D. Leshinski and his wife Linda of NH, Mark J. Leshinski of Natick, Gary W. Leshinski of Dover, and Dawn M. Kornhauser of NC; twelve grandchildren, Danielle, Kristin, Michael, Ryan, Craig, Kathleen, Tom, Maigan, Emily, Nicholas, Olivia, and Morgan; nine great-grandchildren, Brandon, McKenzie, Mikea, Logan, Madeline, Liam, Haley, Sammy, and Gia; two sisters, Joan Konich and Anne Styczen and her husband Lawrence, both of PA, and their families. Jim was also father of the late Barbara Ann “Bonnie” Leshinski and Mariann Leshinski; father-in-law of the late Brian Kornhauser and Maureen Calkins; and grandfather of the late Brian Leshinski.
His funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Friday, May 6th with visiting at 9:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, at 11:00AM. Burial will be at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree at a later date.
Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to MetroWest Homecare and Hospice, 200 Nickerson Road, Suite #100, Marlborough, MA 01752.