Leslie Frank Cleland

Leslie Frank Cleland of Dryden, NY, passed away November 2, 2026, with family at his side.

Les was born November 12, 1937, in Carthage, NY, the son of Clare and Helen Renaud Cleland. He graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1956 as President of the Senior Class. He attended Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, and while there, met his life partner and best friend, Kay D. Calkins. Kay and Les were married September 13, 1958.

Les attended State University College at Cortland, receiving a BS in Elementary Education with honors in 1964. He taught 6th Grade in Cazenovia Central School, and was Teaching Principal of the New Woodstock Elementary School. He moved to the Solvay Middle School in 1966 where he taught 6th - 8th grade reading. In 1967-68 he was awarded a National Defense Education Fellowship in Reading and School Administration at Syracuse University. Returning to Solvay, Les became Principal of Lakeland Elementary School where he served for 5 years. He gained an MS degree with high honors in Reading and Administration from SUC Cortland in May, 1969.

In August, 1973, Les and family moved to Dryden, where he was Elementary Principal and later Director of Elementary Education. In July, 1993, he became Dryden School Business Administrator until his retirement in June, 1996. He later served as an interim administrator in both Dryden and Moravia, and supervised student teachers for SUNY Cortland.

During his career, and into retirement, Les was involved with several community service and professional groups. As a member of the Dryden United Methodist Church, Les held several leadership positions. He served on the Dryden Town Recreation Commission; Dryden Village Planning Board; as Trustee and Treasurer of Dryden Southworth Library; and Treasurer of the Friends of Willowbrook Manor. Les was an avid golfer and a former member and Vice President of Stonehedges Golf Club.

Les cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay; and daughters Lisa (Barney) Schug of Dryden; Amy (Scott) Gibbs of Oro Valley, AZ.; Valerie Cleland of Homer, NY.; and son Jeffrey Cleland of Dryden; along with 6 grandchildren - Reed Cleland; Andrew and Alison Schug; Jax Gibbs; and Bailey and Indira Cleland.

Arrangements are with the Perkins Funeral Home of Dryden.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church in Homer, with Rev. Rob Dean officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southworth Library Association Children’s Program Fund.