Leland H. “Lee” Tainter, 89, a lifelong resident of Erieville, New York passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025. He was born in Syracuse on January 4, 1936 to Theodore “Edwin” and Gwendolyn (Roberts) Tainter and was a graduate of Cazenovia High School, Class of ’54. He married Dorothy Peters on May 8, 1959.

       Lee had been employed at Carrier Corporation and with Madison County as the Supervisor of Maintenance at the former Gerrit Smith Infirmary in Eaton. Lee was a self-employed locksmith, carpenter and farmer.

       He was active in his community as a New York State Hunter Safety Instructor, an Erieville Fire Commissioner and a past president and trustee of the Erieville Evergreen Cemetery Association. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Lee always wanted to be remembered as a “good guy”, and he lived his life in a way that reflected that hope, showing kindness, fairness and respect to those around him.

       Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Peters) Tainter; their children, Joni (Paul) Golden, Janine (Jeffery) English and James (Jennifer) Tainter; his cherished grandchildren, Zachary Golden, Jocelyn Golden, Kaitlyn Tainter, Jacob English, Lucas English, Nathaniel Tainter and Sophie Tainter; a nephew, Monte Tainter and by a niece, Lori Soto. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Theodore “Ted” Tainter and by a beloved nephew, Gregory Tainter.

       At Lee's request there are no calling hours, a private graveside service will be held in the spring at Erieville Evergreen Cemetery. Contributions in Leland’s memory may be made to the Erieville Evergreen Cemetery Association, 2619 Erieville Road, Erieville, NY 13061 or the Erieville Fire Department, P.O. Box D, Erieville, NY 13061. Condolences for the Tainter family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.