William David Leighton, 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, August 17, 2020 surrounded by his beloved family.

Known to most people as David, born in Oswego, NY, firstborn of William & Bertha Leighton. David was a Boy Scout and newspaper delivery boy for the Palladium-Times and spent several summers lifeguarding at Fair Haven Beach. In HS, David and brother Jim formed a 60's cover band, "The Avengers," with David on drums. David received a BS in Education from Baldwin Wallace College. Mr. Leighton's (45+yr) career in education took him from NY to NC, ND, and finally to Syracuse NY, where he spent the majority of his career at Faith Heritage School teaching Earth Science, Physical Science, and Bible. Both in and out of the classroom, he was passionate about Creation Science.

David, always active in the community, was a summer camp director & tennis coach as well as an elder at Hope Presbyterian Church. Even after retirement, David volunteered as a tutor at Eagle Wings Academy. David, with his mother, published a compilation of his grandfather's letters to his parents during WWI, titled, "My Dear Father and Mother."

Survived by wife Cecilia, mother Bertha, brothers James (Nancy) and Alan; daughters Erin (Dan) Richter, Heather Leighton, and Melissa Leighton (Ian Weiss); and grandchildren Ethan, Catherine, Olivia, and William Richter.

An intimate burial service was held Tuesday, August 18th at Riverside Cemetery in Oswego, NY. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family requests no flowers.

Arrangements are in care of the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego.