Leon W. Hatch, 68,of Newark Valley (Speedsville) passed away in Florida, suddenly, on March 26, 2012. Leon is survived by his children and their spouses, Brian and Karen Hatch and Brenda and Brian Spencer. Also surviving are his fiancé, Jonilynn Katchuk and his grandchildren: Zachary and Jillian Hatch and Jason and Justin Mathews. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Mae (Skinner) Hatch and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Hazel Hatch. Leon was a veteran of the US Army serving during Vietnam and retired from Cornell University where he was employed in the plant research department. At an early age he began bowling and continued to do so throughout his life. He was very active with the Endicott Bowling Assoc serving as President for 3 terms and held various other offices. In 1995 he was elected to The EBA Hall of Fame. Over the years he bowled in 25 ABC and 20 NYS Tournaments. He was also a member of the Caroline Valley Horseshoe League and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golfing and traveling, especially to Florida and Las Vegas. Following his retirement he managed to utilize every moment of his time doing exactly what he wanted to do! He will certainly be missed by many including his special friends in Lopez Park, Oak Hill, FL, Vegas and his hometown. A Funeral and Celebration of Leon’s Life will be held at 1 PM on Friday, April 6 at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Berkshire. His family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Caroline Valley Horseshoe League c/o Bill Sherwood 66 Robinson Hollow Rd Richford, NY 13835 in memory of Leon Hatch. Condolences and remembrances may be shared in his guestbook at macphersonfh.com