Richard Lesley

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, mother, Emily, and brother, Robert Lesley. He grew up in Flint, MI, and graduated from Flint Tech before joining the Army Airborne from 1954 to 1957. He received an honorable discharge and went on to work for General Motors, where he met lifelong friends. From there he began his legacy in the cable television industry, which was just in its infancy. He was a general manager in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and later in Cadillac, MI throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1978, he became a partner and general manager of the Manistee, MI, cable TV system until it was sold in 1982. Richard’s former employer from the Cadillac systems, Booth American of Detroit, MI, offered him the position of Chief Operating Officer over the systems they had throughout the country. He continued working with Booth American until 1998, when he retired as the Executive Vice President and COO.

Richard loved reading, dancing, playing cards, hunting, fishing, and golfing. However, if you ever sat next to him while playing cards you were responsible for his bad hands. He loved to make his loved ones laugh. Consider yourself blessed if you ever got to taste his famous apple pancakes. He actively supported civic causes such as the Knights of Columbus, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was President of the Cadillac Exchange Club along with being a lifetime member of The Elks Club. Richard was a devout Catholic and strongly supported St. William's Catholic Church in Naples, FL, for over 24 years.

One of his proudest accomplishments was that his mentorship helped inspire many young people to follow his footsteps and become successful in not just business, but in life. Upon his retirement, he spent his summers in Traverse City and winters in Naples, where he played golf at the Grand Traverse Resort and was a member at Pelican Marsh Golf Club of Naples. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Charlene, his son Richard Jr. (Chrisann) Lesley, his daughter Lisa (Dan) Gallagher, and his son Steve (Paula) Lesley. He was blessed with grandchildren Ricky (Melissa) Lesley, Clayton Lesley, Jessica, Danny, Emily Gallagher, and Reagan Lesley.

In lieu of flowers, Richard asked that any donations be directed to your local hospice organization in his name. They were truly angels at his end of life, and the family wishes to thank them, Avow Hospice in Naples. The family also wishes to thank all their doctors over the years for helping him reach the age of 89.

A Christian mass for Richard will be at St. William's Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, on Friday, May 31st at 10:15 am, with lunch held afterward in the church's Blessed Mother Center across the street from the church.