Leo G. Rastley Jr.

Leo G. Rastley Jr., 86, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 17th at 10:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church in Rossie with burial to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow the burial at the Rossie Community Center. Calling hours are on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Leo was born in Gouverneur on March 28, 1937, the son of Leo G. and Viola Edna (Taylor) Rastley.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1955 and served in the United States Army and the Army Reserves.

Leo married Lona Youngs on June 4, 1960.

The couple owned and operated the Oxbow Country Store for 20 years. Leo was a farmer and a schoolbus driver for 25 years. He also worked as a carpenter and horse farrier.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and St. Lawrence Valley Draft Horse Club. Leo served as a 4-H leader and enjoyed raccoon hunting in his younger years, especially with his favorite Redbone Hound Daisy. He also liked to take his draft horses, especially Sam and Jack, to 4-H Club events and local parades. Leo rode his Arabian stallion in those parades too and gave wagon rides and sleigh rides to the community.

He is survived by his wife Lona, his 4 sons Michael and Becky of Oswego, Patrick and Jennifer of Gouverneur, Thomas and Paula of Watertown, Lee and Becca of Rossie, his 2 daughters Rosanna and Bernard Trombley of Albany, Carmel Rastley of Potsdam, 15 grandchildren, a brother Franklin David and Shirley Rastley, many nieces and nephews. Leo is predeceased by his parents, a son Joseph, 3 brothers John, George, and Don, 3 sisters Viola Fukes, Eleanor Simmons, and Jean Howard.

Memorial donations in honor of Leo are encouraged to the St. Lawrence Valley Draft Horse Club, c/o Bill & Tina Siebels, 285 County Route 22, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or American Heart Association.