MOHAWK - Leo Albert Hectus age 79 passed away on Sunday evening November 27, 2011 in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown. He had the support and comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on March 31, 1932 in Ilion, son of the late Albert and Agnes Peplinski Hectus. A lifelong area resident he was raised in Mohawk and was a graduate of Mohawk High School. A US Army veteran he served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged attaining the rank of Corporal First Class. On December 3, 1955 he was united in marriage with the former Lena Palimeter in the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk. They shared a devoted union of forty-two years until her passing in 1997. Mr. Hectus was an automobile mechanic by trade and for over fifteen years was employed by the Skinner-Damulis Auto Dealership in Richfield Springs. He retired in 1995. In his leisure time he enjoyed league bowling and collecting and working on old cars especially that unique 1949 Mercury that kept in his garage. To those who knew Leo, he was a straight talking man with a warm smile and friendly manner. To his family he was always there for them in both good times and bad. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving him are his daughter, Victoria deLos Santos and her husband Felix of Mohawk, four sons, Joseph Hectus and his wife Patricia of Richfield Springs, Daniel Hectus and his wife Melissa of Mohawk, Steven Hectus and his wife Carol of Jordanville, Wayne Hectus and his wife Maria of Sierra Vista, AZ, a brother Bernard Hectus and his wife Carol of Jordanville, two sisters, Julia Markley of Jacksonville, FL, Harriett Phetterplace and her husband Charles of Mohawk, thirteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be on Thursday at 11:00 am in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home; 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. The Reverend John Young will officiate. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery will take place at a later date. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.