Mr. Leslie G. Thomas, Jr., 74, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. Leslie was born in Utica on March 17, 1941 the son of Leslie G. and Minnie (Hagel) Thomas. He was raised in Utica, was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and attended MVCC. Leslie Honorably served his country in the US Navy from 1959-1963. On August 18, 1962, Leslie married Sharon A. Jones at St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 53 years. For 25 years, Leslie was employed with General Electric Company in Utica, Later with Thompson Electronics in Syracuse and most recently with PAR Technology until his retirement in 2013. Leslie was a avid fisherman, an outdoorsman and was a member of American Legion Utica Post 229, N. Utica. Mr. Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; two daughters and one son-in-law, Patricia and Mark Soper of N. Dakota and Karen Dooley and Denny McLain of Madison, NY; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Melanie Thomas of Williamsville, NY; 8 cherished grandchildren, Daniel, Samantha, Kristen, Matthew, Shannon, Caitlyn, Michaela and Ashton; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Georgia Thomas of New Hartford; in-laws, John M. Jones and his wife Donna Hamilton of Remsen and Catherine and Darrell Stovall of Schuyler as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday, December 17, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. A private service and burial with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to American Legion Utica Post 229, 409 Herkimer Rd., Utica NY 13502 in Leslie's memory.