Daniel Robert Leadbetter, 65, went to be with the Lord on January 8, 2024 surrounded by family. Daniel was born on November 4, 1958 in Buffalo, New York to the late Robert and Helen Leadbetter. He was a graduate of Lockport High School Class of 1977. He received his diploma while on deployment in the Navy. He was an electrician and retired as an E-6 after twenty-one years. During his service, he met the love of his life Pamela. They were married in July of 1982.
He went to work at the Newport News Shipyard as an electrician and later as a forklift driver. He earned the nickname ‘Elf’ from his co-workers due to his height . He loved going to Langley Speedway on Saturday nights, Peninsula Pilots when they had home games, and never missed a televised game of his favorite football team, the Buffalo Bills. Daniel also enjoyed reading books by Tom Clancy and military history, and working on his model ships. The last one was the Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Leadbetter and sister, Joyce Pelfrey. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Pamela Leadbetter, daughter, Hannah Crandol (Timothy), and his brother, Tom Leadbetter (Lucy). He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends that he made over the years wherever he went.
There will be a Celebration of Life, details to be announced at a later date.
Family would like to thank the nurses of Riverside MICU for their wonderful care and compassion they showed to Daniel during his short stay.