Leslie Noel Gelly

Leslie Noel Gelly of Wake Forest, NC passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Debbie Smith-Gelly, his adored children, Denise Gelly, Dana Gelly, Todd Gelly, (Melissa) and Mike Smith (Heather) of Fairport, NY; his treasured grandchildren, Makenzie Marino, Aidan Gelly, Liam Gelly, Madelyn Smith, and Nolan Smith, and always close-at-heart brother John Gelly (Lorraine). He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and John Gelly. His family was his biggest blessing, and all were well-loved by him.

Les loved people, and his friendships were boundless. Whether friends from many years ago, new friends, neighbors, or someone he just ran into, you became his friend and could feel the love and warmth he gave to every person he met. Les was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and would love for the terrible towel to be thrown around during seasons to come in his memory. His strong faith was enriched by St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church in Wake Forest, NC.

Les was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and lived most of his life in Fairport, New York, until moving to Wake Forest, North Carolina. He graduated from West Allegheny High School, and received his Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology.

In 1999, he began working at NCR (National Cash Register) as a Field Engineer until he retired in 2010. His co-workers became life-long friends, and he created life-long memories. It was always special when he would share a story from his time there, and he always did so with a smile on his face.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, and always looked forward to their yearly trip to Canada. For 33 years, they vacationed at Rice Lake; fishing for endless hours, making life-long friends, and immersing themselves in the great outdoors, his favorite place to be. However, there is no place like home, where he was community-minded, serving on the town board for Wake Forest, NC.  

Les is a proud veteran of the US Army, where he ranked as a Private E-2. He served in a New York based reserve unit, and went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he served as a Combat Engineer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at  Saint Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church, 520 W Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC, 27587, Friday, September 8th, 2023 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Les’ name may be directed to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450, or Saint Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church, 520 W Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC, 27587.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Gelly family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.