Dad--Grandpa--Best Friend Raymond Leslie of Erie, Pa., passed away peacefully on November 11, 2016. He was born on December 22, 1928, a son of the late Czeslaw and Malgorzata (Nietupski) Zalewski. Ray worked as a truck mechanic at various soda bottling companies as a very young man. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fuchinobe Japan during World War II, achieving the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. Following military service, Ray married Shirley Helen Wolf and she preceded him in death on October 30, 1993. Ray obtained a Vocational Teachers Certificate from Behrend College. He worked at Erie Mack Truck and Poplar White Truck becoming service manager. In 1967, he started Erie Diesel and Truck Service Inc., acquiring the Diamond Reo and Brockway Truck dealerships as well as certified Cummins, Detroit and CAT diesel parts and service. Following 30 hardworking years operating Erie Diesel, Ray retired to continue to work full time at Keystone Diesel and then Leslie Trucking and Demolition. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, working at the Christmas tree farm, boating, cooking, spending time with family and friends, trucks, heavy equipment and scrap metal processing. Besides his parents and wife Shirley, he was preceded in death by siblings Joe (Irene), Frank (Irene), Sister Mary Hope, Helen (George) and Florence (Bob); brother-in-law Ervin (Gertrude); and mother-in-law Marie Wolf. Ray is survived by son Gary Leslie, grandson Chris Leslie, grandson Greg (fiancée Bobbie Luce) Leslie. He is also survived by adopted daughter Tammy Lane and adopted grandchildren Falicia, Jonathan and Jathan Lane, friends Sally and Jim Goss and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends and family may call at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street, Erie, Pa., on Tuesday November 15, 2016, 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday November 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Section 7, with Father Michael G. DeMartinis officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Erie Crawford County Burial Detail. Ray's family would like to say thanks to all of the doctors and health care staff who have helped him throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Because You Care, PO Box 54, McKean, PA 16426 or Erie VA Medical Center, 125 E. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504. Family and friends may view the on-line obituary and send condolences at www.ScottFuneralHomeErie.com. Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits