Gelser, Leigh Maxfield of Needham, MA, formerly of Wellesley, MA passed away peacefully Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the age of 81. Born in Rochester NY August 21, 1936, Leigh was the son of the late Bruce M. Gelser and Grada Hopeman Gelser. He leaves his wife Geraldine “Sherry” Martin of Falmouth, daughter, Erica Gelser and husband Stephen Mahoney of Wellesley, and son Peter Leigh Gelser of Corvallis, OR. He was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Louisa Jones Gelser. He was the loving grandfather of Peter, Benjamin, and Thomas Mahoney of Wellesley MA, and Samuel, Ellie, Nicole, and Maia of Corvallis, OR. He leaves a sister Antonia Gelser Melamed her husband Steven, and nephews Alexander and Steven.
After graduating from Haverford College, Leigh served overseas for the army for a couple of years before embarking on a career in accounting which included work at Arthur Anderson and study at MIT Sloan School. Leigh was an avid genealogist with a keen intellect and love for history and travel.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 12 at 11 AM at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. A lunch reception will follow. Private interment at Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln, MA. Gifts in his memory may be made to New England Historic Genealogical Society.