Stanley E. Leaman, 87, of Walnut Park, Essex, husband of the late
Evelyn (Cook) Leaman, passed away peacefully Monday, July 4, 2011 in
the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers.
Born in Gloucester February 27, 1924 son of the late Edward and
Ellen (Herrick) Leaman, he was born in to a family of seven
children. Growing up during the Depression with six siblings, Stan
was turned down upon first applying to the United State Marine Corps
due to malnutrition. Determined to serve, he gained enough weight to
finally enlist. He served honorably in the Pacific Theatre during
WWII, participating in several amphibious landings on Japanese held
islands including Saipan, Tinian and Guam. On Guam he was wounded
multiple times, returned to the United States, honorably discharged
and was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon returning home from the war,
Stan met the love of his life, Evelyn Cook Leaman on Main Street,
Gloucester and they were married after a brief courtship.
Stan and
Evelyn enjoyed sixty years of marriage and family life with their
daughter Cynthia.
Following his recovery from his war related injuries, Stan briefly
worked with his beloved brother Harold in the seafood business. He
later returned to the trade his father taught him, carpentry. He
worked for Fred Kippen for fourteen years before starting his own
business.
Stan bought a
piece of land on Walnut Park in Essex and built his home and
carpentry shop there, building the house to Evelyn’s exacting
standards. Stan always credited Evelyn with “educating and
civilizing” the poor boy from West Gloucester, teaching him about
fine dining and proper etiquette for entertaining.
Stan built and or renovated many commercial and residential
buildings in Essex. He employed many local carpenters, including
Claude Savoie, Greg Seamans, Cal Elliott and his son-in-law Jeff
Fraser. He went on to learn the trade of cabinetmaker, building many
kitchens and pieces of furniture. He ground knives for his shaper
to replicate the ornate trim and moldings found in many of Cape
Ann’s historic homes. His high quality and efficient work ethic
earned him a reputation as a desired builder.
Shortly after Stan’s retirement his darling wife Evelyn fell ill and
passed away in 2006. Broken hearted, Stan concentrated on
maintaining his immaculate home in Essex and taking comfort in the
company of his family and friends.
A
true Marine to the very end, Stan kept everything ship-shape in his
home right up to the day the ambulance took him to Addison Gilbert
Hospital for treatment of the ailments to which he finally
succumbed.
Stan was a member of the former AMVETS Post in Essex, Ipswich V.F.W.
Post #1093, and the Masonic Lodge of Gloucester.
Stan is survived by his daughter Cynthia Fraser and her husband Jeff
of Gloucester; three grandchildren Jeffrey Fraser, Jr. and his
companion Dawn of Essex, Shane Fraser and his wife Stephanie of
Essex and Brandi Fraser of Rockport; three great grandchildren,
Christopher Fraser of FL and Samuel and Alex Fraser both of Essex;
his four sisters, Bertha Robertson of W. Gloucester, Emily Strangman
of Rowley, Nancy Boland of Ipswich and Mary Lee of NH and their
extended families; sister-in-law Marjorie Parady and her husband
Clifton, and his special friends, the Neal Family of Essex. In
addition to his wife he was predeceased by his brother Harold Leaman
and a sister Lucy Allen, both formerly of West Gloucester.
Private arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter
Funeral Home of Ipswich. Memorial contributions in his name may be
made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers,
MA 01923.
