Leslie Edward “Sonny” Haskell Jr., 80, a lifelong resident of Haverhill and husband of Margaret Haskell (Austin), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a period of declining health.
Haskell graduated from Haverhill High School in 1954 where he met Margaret, the love of his life. They were married Nov. 2 1958. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Army. He had many stories to tell about his experiences while stationed in Greenland. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1964. After his release, he worked for Spring Hill Dairy as a delivery man. Following his time at Spring Hill, he became a regional manager for Cyr Oil Company. He later became the superintendent of the Elmwood Cemetery in Bradford where he worked for 30 years. Leslie also served as captain of the Rocks Village Fire Department for many years. During this time, he and Margaret raised five children. Haskell was a lover of everything outdoors and had many pets over the years.
Besides Margaret, his wife of 59 years, he leaves five children, Lynda Sheehan and her husband Brian of Haverhill, Elizabeth Haskell and her companion Charles Millett of Florida, Richard Haskell of Groveland, Ann Yanakakis and her fiancé Tom Barrett of Danville, N.H., and James Haskell and his wife Melissa of New Mexico; and six grandchildren including Matthew Sheehan and his wife Jennifer, Heather Bailey and her husband Christopher, Corey and Lindsay Yanakakis, Zoeigh and Leslie Haskell; and great granddaughter, Bryanna Sheehan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Thursday, March 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Bradford Funeral Home 210 South Main St. (route 125), Bradford. Private entombment takes place at Elmwood Mausoleum, Bradford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.