Leslie Norman Corey, Sr, 85, of North Haven, passed away peacefully January 4, 2014 in the presence of his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Dorothy (Fenn) Corey. Born July 30, 1928 in New Brunswick, Canada to the late Norman and Vella (Warner) Corey. Les was raised in Hamden, CT. As a young boy he started his first business growing chickens while working at his family’s store Corey’s Wayside Market and Corey’s Lumber Yard. He graduated from Hamden High School and earned a degree from the Stone School of Business. He bought and developed many pieces of land. Les was the sole proprietor of Rainbow Lake Trout and Tree Farm and was an avid investor in the stock market. Les’ hobbies were fishing, gardening, working outside and studying the stock market. He had served on the Hamden Plains and North Haven Cemetery Commissions. He loved spending time with his family. For the last 33 years Les has spent much of his time planning, managing and completing projects with his son-in-law and best friend Peter. Loving father of Robin Corey Keohane and her husband Peter, Leslie N. Corey, Jr. and his wife Bonnie. Loving grandfather of Corey D’Angelo and her husband Marco, Alden Corey and his wife Sarah, Glen Corey. Beloved great-grandfather of Dante Peter D’Angelo, Stella Robin D’Angelo, Alden Corey, Jr., Ambrose, Adrian and Elysia Corey. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Jean (Corey) Higgins.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church Street, North Haven on Thursday morning at 11:00. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. The visiting hours will be Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Les made us all laugh. He was quick with a tale. He was fun to be around. Planting and harvesting mums, digging Christmas trees, working at "the stand", helping Les and Dot move from Hamden to North Haven (1967 ??) Helping at Rainbow Lake…..it was his vision. I learned to work hard…but I always had fun. Thanks Les. We miss you.
I remember a bright summer day when I was 8 or 9 years old. Pop and Gram were visiting our house in Lyme, Ct. The whole family was playing Croquet and having what I now recall as an idyllic time together. The game was nearing conclusion and I had just made it through the last wicket. Pops, who's ball was poison, hit mine and abruptly ended my surging comeback. Realizing I had just lost the game I ran crying into the house. I stomped upstairs scowling at the unjust actions asserted against me and pouted. A minute later, curious to see how poor he felt for upsetting me, I made my way to the window and glanced down at the yard. Poppy's ball had just been hit by another 'poison ball' and he had lost game. He ran off the field yelling, "WAAAAAAA!!!" Clearly in full mockery of me. Everyone laughed. He didn't know I was watching, no one did. I felt betrayed at first, stunned at what I took as hurtful indifference to my loss. But slowly another perspective creeped into my head and eventually I realized how tragically stupid I had acted. I had missed out on opportunities to spend with people I love and admire simply because I didn't get exactly what I wanted.
I don't think I ever told anyone that story before now, but as I reminisce about Pops in my head it is a memory that I keep coming back to. He taught me humility and self-awareness. I learned from him how our lives can affect each others' in ways we never see or plan. He taught me to see trivialities for what they are and to focus on what is truly important in life.
Anyone who knew him knows that his effects, plans, and projects were innumerable; and many continue in his memory. But of all the projects he had throughout his life, through all of his successes, he loved his family the most and he cared deeply for us all. I am forever grateful for everything my grandfather gave me, most importantly: an extraordinary man to look up to.
I will always think of you, Grandpa Poppy. I love you.
The world has lost a great and influential man. Some of my most memorable childhood experiences are thanks to Les. My first ride in a jeep, my first bonfire and marshmallow roasting experience (on the beach by the trout pond he built). Learning how to cast a fishing line and landing my first fish. I learned how to dive off a raft, pet a horse, watched how Christmas trees are selected and cut. I had such fun and adventure at the Corey compound and it had everything to do with Les and the fulfillment of his vision and his sharing it with those around him. I admired his confidence, fortitude and dynamic spirit. He touched my life with his; through his family and his realized dreams. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him. My life has been enriched because of it. My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family.
I will always remember my dad's life as one filled with family, ingenuity, old fashioned common sense, love of the outdoors, and a drive to be successful in all his endeavors. Dad's entrepreneurial spirit, boundless energy, and love of family was an inspiration to all who knew him. He touched and enriched many lives and we will miss his loving ways and will forever cherish his memorable life stories and sense of humor that he shared so freely. Thank you dad for all the lessons and good times together. You were a defining force in my life and you are dearly missed. Until we walk together once again.
No words to say, the best father and best friend any woman could have! Dad, you and Pete were bonded at the hip! You will not know how much you will be missed! Oxox God Bless and Lord willing we will meet again!! Oxox
Uncle Les – The memories of swimming at Rainbow lake in the late 60's/early 70's are forever etched in my heart. We would have a campfire and toast marshmallows after dinner.
Those were some of the best days of my life, and very fond memories that I will never forget. I am also hoping there is a golf cart up in heaven, because when I get there I want another ride like the one you took Todd and I on, the summer of 2012 (after Mom died)
Tell my Mom, Dad, and your parents I miss them terribly. Love you always – Christy
Uncle Les – The memories of swimming at Rainbow lake in the late 60's/early 70's are forever etched in my heart. We would have a campfire and toast marshmallows after dinner.
Those were some of the best days of my life, and very fond memories that I will never forget. I am also hoping there is a golf cart up in heaven, because when I get there I want another ride like the one you took Todd and I on, the summer of 2012 (after Mom died)
Tell my Mom, Dad, and your parents I miss them terribly. Love you always – Christy
No words can replace your sadness. Hold on to all of your wonderful memories, especially some of the stories that made us laugh. Smile through the tears and know that I am here to help at any time. Robin, feel free to share my number. My prayers are with you all.
So very sorry to hear of your family's loss. I have many fond memories of visiting Les and Dot out on 'the hill' as a teen. It was a beautiful place to visit, made moreso by Les's presence, and I always enjoyed my visits there–whether to work on the Christmas tree farm, babysit a sweet little girl, or share a meal with Les and Dot. Although it has been many years since our paths connected, Les was a wonderful man, and he will be missed.
Tom, Delaney, Shane, Kate and I send our love and condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Brenda (Corey) Dunne
I love and miss you so! People say it will get better, not without you! I am holding strong for Mom and making sure she eats and has us when she wants! So many memories, I would have to write a book! Loved our walks, out rides, our stock debates and card games! Pete looks lost at times, he says Dad would love this or that! He lost his Dad and best friend Too ! Thanks for all the older memories! I think of him waving at me in a field of Gladiolas, mom and I would drop lunch off if he was too busy, I talk to you all the time and you came to me in vivid color as I caught a doze! I love you too Dad and no man will be Leslie Norman Corey Sr. I am so proud of you ! Oxox always God Bless