Edmund N. Leete

. Edmund N. Leete, husband of Ann J. Sheedy, died on Feb. 11, 2012, at home. He was born December 21, 1940, son of the late Edmund N. Leete and Carmella Beninato Leete Ruitenberg. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Don & Carmella Ruitenberg. Upon graduation from Bacon Academy in Colchester, Conn., he entered the Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of corporal. He was stationed in Hawaii and in Memphis, Tenn. He held a Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education in 1970 and a Masters of Education Degree in special physical education in 1972, both from the University of Connecticut. He played football in the Marine Corps and at the University of Connecticut, and he founded and coached the semi-pro Willimantic Wreckers Football team for three seasons from 1966-68. He began the track and field program at Lyman Memorial High School in 1974. He taught in several area schools before opening the Right Arm Gun Shop/Connecticut Yankee Muzzle Loading, a specialty gun shop which he operated for 24 years before retiring. He organized muzzle loading and high power rifle competitive shooting programs at the Fin Fur & Feather Club in Chaplin in the 1970's and '80's. Ed was also instrumental in organizing Liberty Hill Muzzle Loaders, a National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Charter Club where he held various offices for sixteen years. He also organized the CT Historical Firearms Safety Association, which became the umbrella organization of Liberty Hill Muzzleloaders and Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia. He wrote extensively for "Heading Out" Magazine and other articles on The Ohio Trail and Connecticut Federal Period Turnpikes in eastern Connecticut. He began the American Patriot Fund, which was designed to help the families of those killed in the failed Iran hostage rescue. He also named Lebanon's food pantry, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. He was predeceased by his father of Springfield, MA., mother of Graysville, TN., stepfather of Conrath, WI. and his brother Lucian R. Leete of Spring City, TN. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two foster children, Richard Persico of Middletown, N.J., and Susan Provost Roberts of Moosup, Conn.; four grandsons, Joshua, Scott and Anthony Roberts of Moosup and Jonathan Kiger of Rocky Hill; a niece, Jennifer Morris of Dayton, Tenn.; nephews Richard Leete of Hixson, Tenn., and Christopher Leete of Norfolk, Va.; by his stepfather's daughter, Sherry Scholz of Sheldon, Wis.; and many cousins. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, West Town St. Lebanon on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at 10 a.m. There are no calling hours. His cremains will be interred at the Connecticut State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, Conn., at the convenience of the family. The Potter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the USMC Reserves Toys for Tots, or to the food pantry of your choice. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .