Obituary of Charles Leonard Hegel

Charles "Lenny" Leonard Hegel, Jr. GENEVA- Charles "Lenny" Leonard Hegel, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on Wed. (Dec. 14, 2016), surrounded by his loving family at Clifton Springs Hospital. In honoring his wishes, there will be no calling hours and as he desired a spring memorial and celebration of his life will be held at that time. Lenny was born on Oct. 25, 1935, in Geneva and was a son of the late Charles Leonard and Mary Frances (Peck) Hegel, Sr. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1953. Lenny married his high school sweetheart Mary Nailos in 1956 and they lovingly celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on November 3, 2016. Lenny served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1963. He worked 26 years for the Geneva City School District as a school bus driver and ultimately retired in 1996 from the position of head mechanic. He loved traveling with his wife Mary, family, and friends and had the opportunity to experience multiple cruises and various trips during his retirement years. For the past 20 years they spent winters in Lady Lake, FL, and returned to their hometown Geneva in the spring. Lenny was very active and enjoyed fishing, fly tying, operating HAM Radio, woodworking, and wood carving; in which he won several awards for his craftsmanship. Lenny was known for being a hard worker and a provider for his family and continued to provide and guide during his ending days. He loved his family very much. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Nailos Hegel of Geneva: children, Joan and David DeSmith of Victor, Stephen Hegel Sr. of Geneva, Mary Pat and Douglas Allen of Newark and Thomas and Margaret Hegel of Geneva; 2 sisters; grandchildren, Stephen Hegel, Jr. of Seneca Falls, Matthew and Emily Hegel of Buffalo, Kyle Hegel of Geneva, Lauren and Tyler Allen of Newark; brother-in-law, James and Peggy Nailos; sister-in-law, Florence Nieciecki; several nieces, nephews and friends. Lenny was predeceased by his father, Charles Leonard Hegel, Sr.; mother, Mary Frances (Peck) Hegel Belec; step-father, Frank Belec; sister, Joan and Michael Tully; sisters-in-law, Betty and Bud Wilbur and Helen and Raymond Kuryla; brother-in-law, Charles Nieciecki. If desired, in honor of Lenny, contributions may be directed to the Inclusion Body Myositis Foundation (IBMF), 897 Washington St., #600005 Newton, MA 02460 or online http://www.ibmfoundation.org/index.php/donate.