Nelson Phillip Leggue

Winthrop - Nelson Phillip Leggue, 72, passed away the morning of Sunday, August 9th, 2026, at Massena Memorial Hospital. Born on December 4, 1954, in Potsdam, NY, the son of the late Earl and Elizabeth "Jean" (Thompson) Leggue. He graduated from St. Lawrence Central School, Class of 1972. He attended Seaway Area Tech Center during his junior and senior years, studying auto mechanics.

During high school he worked as a farm hand at Raymond Munson's dairy farm after school and weekends. After graduation he went to Bennington, VT, to work at Globe Union Battery factory, which later merged with Johnson Controls on October 10, 1978, and became the subsidiary division and foundation for the company's battery division. The Bennington plant closed in mid-March 1994 and shortly thereafter he started work at Taconic, Inc in Petersburg, NY, and worked there until retiring at the end of 2015. Nelson also worked part-time at his passion for a local garage "Cone Tire and Auto Sales" in Eagles Bridge, NY for 10 to 15 years. The owner said, "he kept Nelson for entertainment, not for the work, but he was a great help." Nelson was a volunteer fireman with Buskirk Volunteer Fire Department for 22 dedicated years.

Nelson was also known for shaking his finger and always being right. He also enjoyed NASCAR races, drag races, car shows, and car swap meets, especially the larger one, Right Coast Nationals at Syracuse, NY. Nelson loved to tinker with auto projects, the CJ Jeep series, muscle cars, and mainly carbureted motors.

He loved children, nieces, nephews and other people's children and grandchildren of his good friends. He had a special way with kids and they loved him too. Nelson enjoyed time on his porch and watching the wildlife.

Nelson was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Lynn and Mark.

He is survived by Bernice Morton (Sam) and Sara Raistrick (Mike) and many friends whom he considered family.

Following his wishes, his family will honor his life privately. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, where memories and condolences can be shared online with his family at www.hammillfh.com. Donations in his honor can be made to your local animal shelter.