John A. McLeod Sr., 73, of Middletown, CT passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. John was born on December 12, 1952, in Bayshore, New York, to John G. and June McLeod.

He spent his early childhood in Levittown before his family relocated to Bolton Landing and their property known as Indian Acres. He often fondly and vividly recalled some great memories such as, the summer they lived in a tent while their home was being built, trekking uphill "both ways" through waist-deep snow to reach the bus stop, and getting into all kinds of mischief with his brother Bob and sister Sue.

Following his college years, John served in the United States Navy stationed in Virginia and travelled to places like Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Cartagena, Colombia. He then worked as a mechanical engineer with Olin Ski Co, where he made skis for the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only". Later he worked for the United States Coast Guard, bringing him to places all over the country for testing, from the far north in Barrow, AK to south at Kennedy Space Center. He especially enjoyed his various volunteer positions, including the United Coast Guard Auxiliary and coaching his children for various baseball, softball, and soccer teams. John learned to ski at Little Gore in upstate New York, where he spent many winters on the slopes with his parents and siblings. That early passion grew into a lifelong commitment, leading him to spend 40 years instructing skiing and coaching racers at Powder Ridge and Mount Southington. He passed his love of the sport on to his three children, raising them on skis and guiding them to become elite racers. His influence extended far beyond his own family, leaving a lasting, positive impact on hundreds of young athletes in the Connecticut ski community.

John spent many years traveling around the country with his family and was proud he was able to visit all 50 states and all 5 great lakes. He spent many summers at his parent's property in Bolton Landing, NY where the family enjoyed swimming, boating, and spending time with the many guests on the property. Years later, John was blessed to enjoy many years with his 6 grandchildren, continuing to make them laugh and in turn make himself laugh.

John was predeceased by his first wife Linda (Sterry) McLeod and his parents John G. McLeod and June (Nordby) McLeod. John is survived by his current wife of 35 years Lisa Hess McLeod. Brother Robert (Joy) McLeod and sister Susan (James) Robertson. His children: John "Jay" A. (Alina) McLeod Jr., Micheil J. McLeod, and Karen (Ryan) Bourret. His Grandchildren: Penelope McLeod, Klaus McLeod, John A. McLeod–Melendez, Madeline Bourret, Jackson Bourret, and Emorret McLeod.

Services will be held at Biega Funeral Home in Middletown, CT on Thursday April 9th from 5-7pm. A burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Salvation Army.