George Bridges Leyden

Saratoga - George Bridges Leyden passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on January 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Jean, four daughters, Barbara Leyden, Martha Iacolucci (Mike), Ellen Tarrant (Kevin) and Nancy Kay (Chris), nine grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

George was born on January 1, 1929 in Astoria, NY to Elizabeth and Peter Leyden, Jr. He graduated from Mt. Hermon School in Northfield, MA and Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. Following graduation, George began working at Procter and Gamble in Philadelphia until he was drafted into the Marines, where he served for two years during the Korean Conflict. After the war, George worked a variety of jobs in Laconia, NH including selling tombstones and various jobs on Lake Winnipesaukee.  While in Laconia, he enrolled in Plymouth State Teachers College in Plymouth, NH and soon after began a long teaching and coaching career at several schools, settling in Cambridge, NY where he retired in 1985. During his 21 years at CCS, George was a beloved teacher, making a difference in his students’ lives and mentoring colleagues.

From childhood, George loved being in the outdoors and spent countless hours throughout his life swimming, jogging, cross country skiing, playing tennis and hiking in the woods around Cambridge, and encouraged his family and friends to join him on his adventures.

He also proved adept at woodworking, creating numerous pieces of furniture for himself and Jean, as well as his children and grandchildren.

George was a devoted family man, a kind and decent person who was always happy and he will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com