Mr. Leslie E. "Les" Diven, Jr.

Mr. Leslie E. “Les” Diven, Jr., age 85, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the Abraham House with his loving family by his side. Born in Mohawk, New York on August 23, 1929, Leslie was the son of the late Leslie E. Diven, Sr. and Mildred (Mills) Diven. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country from 1951-1953 while stationed in the Korean Theater of Operations. On May 25, 1957 he married the former Patricia “Patty” M. Summa with whom he shared 57 years in a joyful and loving union. Les and Patty were inseparable. For more than four decades, Les worked in his profession as a Sports Journalist with the Observer-Dispatch. He held a tremendous knowledge for local sports and history. He was a well-respected and valued member of the Sports Staff. An agitator of unparalleled skill, Diven drove his co-workers and some coaches to distraction with his supposed scoops, baseless rumors, outrageous statements, ability to build elaborate, sometimes incriminating stories about colleagues, and sources based on a single grain of truth or even less. A relentless needler, he took the needle himself very well, and his personality was a glove-like fit for the world of sports. Les was very enthusiastically involved in the Boilermaker Event. He was instrumental with the inception of the race and continued, along with his wife, to support it and offer their time as volunteers. In recognition of his years of dedication, an annual award is bestowed in his honor: The Les Diven Media Award. An ardent advocate of sportsmanship and competitive sports, he contributed to the creation of the State Baseball and Basketball Tournaments. He was himself inducted into seven different Sports Halls of Fame. Les practiced his Catholic faith at St. Mark’s Church. Les is survived by his wife, Patty; his daughters, Shirley A. of Albany, Carolynn of Utica, and Barbara of Marcy. He was also blessed with the love of Sandra Stewart whom he loved like a daughter. He also leaves his nephew, Brian Summa, great-nieces, cousins, in-laws, Rocco and Eleanor Summa; and his special friends, Francis Pfisterer, John Pitaressi, and Ronald Moshier. He also leaves his adopted canine companion, Ani. The family wishes to acknowledge the care and professionalism offered by Les’ primary physician, Dr. Kevin McCormick. They also extend their gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. and the entire staff of the Abraham House for the compassionate care they provided to Les. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions in Leslie’s honor may be considered to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. or the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Les’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9 from the funeral home and at 10 at St. Mark’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Pasik. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Leslie E. "Les" Diven, Jr.

August 23, 1929 - September 11, 2014