STEUBEN – William “Billy” A. Leighton, 57, went to be with the Lord Oct. 15, 2011. He was born March 5, 1955, in Jonesboro, the son of William I and Eleanor M. (Harrington) Leighton.
Billy graduated from Sumner Memorial High School and went on to culinary arts school in Calais. He worked as a chef at Testa’s Restaurant, Bar Harbor and Florida, and went on to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bangor, where he met the love of his life, Karen Gallant. He also worked for Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility for 27 years and as a funeral attendant for Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home for 30 years. He also catered for many weddings and gatherings. His most prized accomplishment was his family. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. His loving smile and caring heart touched many people. Billy was blessed with the gift of gab. He also was a movie star in “The Puffy Chair” and he also made an album with the “New Life Singers.” He was a man who knew how to live.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen of Steuben; his mother and father; five children, Andrew Leighton and his wife, Krystal, of Ellsworth, Heather and her husband, Joshua Lander, of Clifton, Peter Leighton of Cherryfield, Aaron Leighton and Emily Leighton of Steuben; and two grandchildren, Olivia and Piper Leighton, and one on the way. He is also survived by one brother, Leroy Leighton and his wife, Connie, of Steuben; one sister, Jeannette and her husband, Monte Dyer, of Steuben; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by the “couch potato,” Bailey the pug.
Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Main Street, Milbridge. A funeral service will be celebrated 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Cherryfield American Legion Hall, Main Street, Cherryfield. Interment will be at Unionville Cemetery, Unionville. Gifts in his memory may be sent to a scholarship fund for Aaron and Emily, care of Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Main Street, Milbridge, ME 04658.