Mr. Leo J. Dwyer, "Joe"

February 1, 1930 - December 18, 2013

Leo J. Dwyer, "Joe" 83, of Truxton, N.Y. passed away, Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at his home. Born, February 1, 1930 in Cortland, Joe was the son of Leo J. and E. Marcella O'Connor Dwyer. Joe graduated in 1949 from Truxton Central School and then attended CCBI in Syracuse, N.Y. He then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict, serving in Trieste. Joe had retired from Teamsters Local #317 where he was employed by Conway Eastern Express. Joe was a 62 year member of Kingsley Turner Post #963 of The Amercian Legion post in Truxton, N.Y., he also served as Commander of Cortland County American Legion for many years, Commander of the 6th District American Legion as well as Treasurer and he also served as Department Vice Commander of New York State in 2002, past Commander of D.A.V. Chapter 153 Cortland, Life Member of the Truxton Fire Department and served as a Fire Commissioner for many years. In addition Joe also served New York State as a commissioner on the Northwestern Forest Fire Protection Commission for 25 years. Joe also served as Cortland County Legislator for District 16 representing the Towns of Cuyler, Solon and Truxton from 1996-2003. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Law Dwyer and a daughter, Peg (Joe) Peri of Taylor and three grandsons, Shawn (Adrianne) Blanden and Joey and Nick "Pooh" Peri, two sisters, Helena Dwyer and Patricia Dwyer both of Truxton, N.Y. and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother and sister in law, Leonard and Louise Dwyer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church by Rev. Joseph Zareski, Rev. Daniel Muscalino and Rev. Joseph Phillips., prayers of committal with full military honors will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Cortland, N.Y. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. A scholarship fund at Cincinnatus Central School has been established in Joe's memory and contributions may be sent to Mrs. Peg Peri 4237 Union Valley Rd., DeRuyter, N.Y. 13053 www.riccardifuneralhome.com