Richard Leschynski, 88, of Garfield, passed away on September 30, 2012. Born in Clifton, he attended Clifton Schools, moving to Garfield in 1947 and was a parishioner of Ss. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, Passaic. An Army Veteran of WW II, Richard served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and jumped into Nazi-occupied Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. Richard survived four major battles, the Normandy, the Market Garden, the Bulge and the Rhineland, and received two presidential citations. Active with Scouting for many years, Richard served as Scoutmaster for both Troops 57 and 75 in Clifton for 17 years. After his term as Scoutmaster he continued his involvement in Scouting as a Unit Commissioner for Pack 40 and Troops 13 & 40. Richard served as the assistant chairman for the Southern Valley District Klondike Derby 1975-1976, and 1980. He chaired the Klondike Derby in 1977-1979. In 1981, Richard served as Chairman of the Southern Valley District Spring Camporee. Richard is also one of the original founders and organizers of the Athenia Veteran Post. Beloved husband for 65 years of Mary (Skoratowicz). Devoted father of Laura Leschynski of Garfield, and the late Richard and his wife Linda of Garfield. Loving grandfather of the late Richard. Dear brother of Regina Colatsky and her husband Al of Clifton, cherished brother in law of Helen Skoratowicz of NY. Funeral Friday 10:45 AM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, and 12 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul PNCC, Passaic. Interment, East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton. Visiting Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. www.ShookFH.com