Andrew J. Leccese

It is with great sadness that we share of the passing of our wonderful companion, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Andrew "Andy" Leccese on September 6, 2026.

Andy was born and raised in Rochester to Isabel and Patsy Leccese. He was their firstborn of two sons. As a child, Andy enjoyed playing outside with his friends and basketball in the driveway. Andy attended Aquinas Institute, class of 1958, and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1962.

Andy served in the US Army for three years immediately after college and then worked alongside his father as a mason. In time, Andy transitioned his career to work full-time at Gates Bowl, becoming the General Manager. Andy’s involvement and passion for bowling was integral in growing Gates Bowl to become a premier bowling center in the Rochester area. He developed many long-term relationships in his 20+ years of management. Many of these relationships still exist to this day. Bowling was a huge part of Andy’s life, and he was an outstanding bowler.

At 23, Andy married Dolores and they began their family of three children, Susie, Beth and Andy. Life was full and there are many memories of visiting amusement parks – Cedar Point was an annual trip! Along the way came 4 grandchildren, Alecia, Hunter, Kayla and Jacob. Andy was a very fun Papa! There were many fun times at Adventure Landing, and he loved taking the grandkids to the movies – they would spread out the newspaper and read through what movies were playing and then take turns picking which they would see. Andy never missed a basketball or baseball game, and was at every dance recital and competition, always with a big smile on his face and so proud of his grandchildren. There were also trips to Vegas where the grandkids learned to shoot craps, of course! The kids remember Wednesday lunches at Pasta Villa, watching sports and playing cards. This past year, Andy became a great-grandfather to Arman. Arman’s smile and love brought much joy to Andy.

For fifteen years, Andy has been blessed with his companion Marlene. Marlene and Andy saw one another every day. They traveled often and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Even up until the very last day, Marlene and Andy would talk on the phone every two hours if they were not together. Marlene was truly a loving and devoted partner to Andy, and him to her.

Andy is remembered as being a friend to all, having a generous heart, and always being optimistic and caring. Andy loved his family and proudly expressed that love. He lived life to the max constantly sharing his life with a multitude of friends. There were Wednesday night dinners and card games with the guys at his house, visits to casinos both locally and in Vegas, many shared meals and junkets to the far reaches of the world. May God welcome him to Heaven where he can celebrate many 300 games and always leave a winner.

Andy is survived by his companion Marlene Kelly, daughter Susan (August) Tuffo, son Andrew Leccese, grandchildren Alecia (Dillon) Gooding, Hunter Schweickhard, Kayla (Edin Kemez), Jacob Leccese, great-grandchild Arman Kemez. He is also survived by his brother Leonard Leccese. He is preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Schweickhard.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 11th, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 10 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately with the family. A reception to follow at Ridgemont Country Club.