John M. Leslie Jr., 96, of Peabody, formerly of Lynn, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth C. (Blaniey) Leslie.

He was born in Lynn on August 26, 1927 and was the cherished son of the late Margaret and John M. Leslie Sr.

John graduated from Lynn English High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He worked at Bonded Transportation in Lynn and also owned Leslie’s Variety also in Lynn in the 60s. He eventually retired from Massport Authority at Logan Airport.

He was a lover of animals and traveled to many countries to see various species of animals with friends he made from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. John was also a proud trainer of bloodline German Shepherds, winning many awards. He loved dearly his two German Shepherds, Hilda and Raja.

He also enjoyed vacationing and cruising with his wife Ruth before her passing. At 96, John was still very independent and could be seen riding his scooter around the block on nice days and driving his car to go watch birds with his friends from the Audubon Society.

John is survived by his son, John Leslie of Arizona; his step-son, Ross MacKeen and his wife Theresa of New Hampshire; several loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and his former daughter in law, Donna Cronin and her husband Gordon of Lynn.

Sadly, in addition to his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his sons, William and Robert Leslie; his brother, Chet Leslie; and his sister, Hazel Pitchard.

Visiting hours will be held at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 10AM to 12PM followed by a Funeral Service at 12PM in the funeral home. Interment will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Massachusetts Audubon Society by visiting www.massaudubon.org