Peter J. Vanleeuwen

PETER VANLEEUWEN Peter J. VanLeeuwen, of LaGrange, passed away April 26, 2012, after a nine-month battle with cancer. Peter was born in Hyannis Port, MA on September 7, 1944, graduated from Barnstable High School in 1962 and from The Franklin Institute of Boston in 1965. He served in the Naval Reserve from 1962 until 1970, was the owner of Osterville Bike and Mower before moving to LaGrange 24 years ago and was serving as the D.O.M. of Southside Aviation in LaGrange until his illness. Survivors include his mother, Katherine VanLeeuwen of Marston Mills, MA; sons, Mark Van Leeuwen of Osterville, MA, Bill VanLeeuwen of Marston Mills; brother, Chris VanLeeuwen of N. Hampton, MA; sisters, Mary VanLeeuwen of Springfield, MA, Jeanine McBride of Yarmouth, MA, Katie VanLeeuwen of Centerville, MA; step-children, Edward Ashley Williams of West Point, Windy Will of Wake Forest, NC, Amanda O'Neil of Kempton, PA; grandchildren, Jimmy and Renee VanLeeuwen of Osterville, Bella Nese of Marston Mills; step-grandchildren, Brandon and Maddie Will of Wake Forest, Jack O'Neil of Kempton, PA, Ginger and Hominy McMahon of Woodstock, NY, Kallee Holloway of Rock Mills, AL; one niece and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John VanLeeuwen. Peter had a love of flying that extended over many decades. He flew multi-engine aircraft in the commercial and private sector, including the DC-3, the DC-4 and his J-3 Piper Cub that he restored himself. If he wasn't flying an airplane, he was working on them as a mechanic. He wished to thank all his friends that helped him through this ordeal, including Zene VanLeeuwen and Mike Mazzanti (his caregivers), Randal and Diane Cotton, James Mackey, Terry Bowen, Jerry and Janice Ashmore, and all his friends at the LaGrange Airport. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. "Flying Forever" 4-26-12.