Leonard John Ayers (Len), age 90 years, 11 months of Stuart, FL, formerly of Prospect Park, PA and Galena, MD died peacefully on Saturday March 23 at Arden, DE. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Ada (Dolly) Ayers (Griffith). Parents John A. Ayers and Ruth M. Ayers (Carey). Sister Joan Ross (Ayers) and Brother Duane Ayers.
Len was born on April 26, 1933, in rural Newton Township, Lackawanna County, PA. His father John moved him and his family to Woodlyn, PA in the early 1940’s to have better job opportunities during World War II. Len soon developed a lifelong love of Golf caddying as a teenager at local Golf courses around the area. He was a graduate of Ridley High School Class of 1952.
In 1953 Len was drafted into the Army 1505 Service Company, 42nd Armored Battalion as an Ammunition Support Specialist. After serving active military duty in Western Germany, he was Honorably Discharged as Private First Class in 1955.
Shortly thereafter, he worked for a time at the Sun Oil Company as a Merchant Seaman on oil tankers running the route from Marcus Hook, PA. to the Gulf Coast and back. He worked as a Quality Control Inspector at Westinghouse Corporation for 30 years inspecting manufactured commercial steam turbines for the Utility industry. He also worked at Wickes Manufacturing as a Quality Control Inspector of manufactured Aircraft Arresting Systems for the U.S. Military.
Len enjoyed playing Country music on his classic 1974 Gretsch acoustic guitar and jamming with friends from Westinghouse. He also enjoyed exercising outdoors in all seasons playing golf, as well as mountain biking and walking in both Maryland and Florida. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In 1965, Len and Dolly bought a small cottage in Galena, MD. Over time, they proudly built it up and eventually made it their full-time home in 2001. They spent their winters in sunny Stuart, FL.
He is survived by his son Edward Ayers, wife Michele and grandson Evan. Son Eric Ayers, as well as twelve nieces and nephews throughout the eastern United States.
Services will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home at 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 on Wednesday April 3rd with a visitation at 10 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Southeast Florida Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/sefloridadonate. Or call 954-786-1533.
