William R. Leardini, 79, of Youngstown, NY, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. Born in the Republic of San Marino to Cesarino & Lucia (Baietti) Leardini, William and his family arrived in the United States in 1957 eventually settling into their home on Roosevelt Avenue in Lewiston. Surrounded by the love of his parents and beloved siblings, Franca and Myriam, William graduated from Lewiston-Porter and from Niagara University. He had a bright smile and engaging personality, making him a friend to all. Above all, he treasured his relationship with his siblings, revered his parents, and never forgot where he came from. Following his parents’ example, family always came first, a priority that only expanded as his own family grew.

While attending Niagara University, William met a woman from Niagara Falls, Judith Slish, who was attending St. Bonaventure University. He married the love of his life on August 16th, 1969 and they found a home in Youngstown, NY.

William began his teaching career at Wilson Central Schools, eventually becoming the District’s Business Administrator until his retirement in 2007. From 1975-1984, he became the Boy’s Track and Field Coach, with his achievements earning induction into the Wilson Wall of Fame. He helped secure additional land that is home to numerous soccer fields and the Wilson Soccer Tournament, which he directed for many years. The William R. Leardini Soccer Complex was a source of pride, though paled in comparison to the joy he had watching so many kids compete and have fun and support his adopted community. He attended the tournament every year since its inception, often watching his own grandchildren and looking in amazement at what the site has become today. He followed any Wilson athletic team advancing in sectionals and wore orange clothing with unusual pride – it was his second home.

Bill and Judy enjoyed their 55 years of marriage as they raised their three boys, Christopher (Leslie), Andrew (Kristen), and Matthew (Carrie) in their small community of Youngstown. In 1986, with help from his father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew, he built his home on Youngstown-Wilson Road - an impressive accomplishment and, more importantly, a place that truly became home. Bill and Judy raised their sons as two true educators naturally would, never missing a chance to support them and teach each of them every day. If it was important to their sons, it was equally important that they be there, no matter how far their sons’ journeys took them, simply to let them know how proud they were. Their love for each other and for their family has been emulated by their own children, their wives and so many others. Always inseparable, Bill and Judy would go out of their way to welcome others into their home or into their family being supportive in any way they could. If you knew him at any time and reconnected, he would quickly know your name and greet you with a smile, a hug, or a kiss.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, shooting, vacations with his family, and helping his sons with whatever they needed as they established their own homes, close to their parents and siblings just as he had done. His attention to any of his own interests faded away quickly with the arrivals of his grandchildren Drew, Joseph, Nicholas, Luke, Emma, Wyatt, Julia, Olivia, Rocco, and Elle - he became ‘Pops’, the role he treasured most. He helped them build things, watched them play in the backyard, played cards and games with them, baked cookies, made apple crisp, catch frogs, or just talked with them emphatically reacting to their latest news. Together with Judy, he attended every game they played, seemingly in multiple places at one time. As his health deteriorated in recent years, he ignored any of his own discomfort or pain to show his grandchildren that he was there to support them always giving them a fist bump or hug after their game – the sidelines won’t be the same, but Pops will always be there as your biggest fan.

William was predeceased by his wife, Judy, and his family takes great comfort in them being reunited. He was also predeceased by his parents, sister Franca, and brother-in-law Barry. In addition to his three sons, William is survived by his twin sister and best friend Myriam (Tom) Witkowski, brother-in-law Dennis (Linda) Tosetto, and his nieces and nephews, David (Christine) Tosetto, Jennifer (Robert) Woods, Cynthia Sanchez, and Jacqueline (Jon) DiBernardo, all of whom he looked after as his own. He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, Sarah, Robert, Lucia, Vena, Franca and Daniel with whom he shared a special bond.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 15 from 2 – 6 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Monday, February 16 at 9:00 AM, followed by William’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William R. Leardini Soccer Scholarship, benefitting senior Wilson High School soccer players. Donations may be made payable to ‘Wilson Central School Miscellaneous Special Revenue Fund’ and sent to P.O. Box 648, Wilson, NY 14172. Please list ‘William R. Leardini Soccer Scholarship’ in the memo line.