Philip A. Leinbach

Philip Arthur Leinbach, 79, of Earlville, passed away on January 7, 2022. Philip was born in Binghamton, NY and after graduating from high school, he went on to serve our country in the Air Force for 4 years. When his service ended, he attended Cortland State and graduated with his master’s in teaching. This was also where he met the love of his life, and wife of 55 years, Robin Leinbach.

They were married in November 1966. After Philip finished his schooling, they settled into their forever home on Route 12B between Sherburne and Earlville. Philip went on to teach mathematics at S-E for 35 years and retired in 2004. Even in retirement Philip stayed active with the school and was always willing to sub for other math teachers or help at sporting events.

In July 2019 he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Most would have perished, but to his testament, he fought to survive and lived for another 2 ½ years at home with the assistance of his wife and caretaker. Despite these challenges, he never lost his friendly, joking nature or his manners and politeness. During this time, he was able to see grandchildren and great grandchildren born, and his oldest son Eric marry a wonderful woman.  

Above all else, Philip was a loving husband, father and eventually grandfather and great grandfather, to whom family meant the world. He will be remembered by many as a teacher that would always take extra time with a student or to mentor a fellow staff member. He was a class advisor 2 times spanning his last 8 years and retired as the last class was graduating. He was a person that treated all those he met equally and was always ready to lighten the mood with humor.

During his years teaching and raising kids he was always involved and willing to help when others would not. He was a coach, head of ski club, ticket taker, scorekeeper, and much more. He painted houses during summers to keep busy and took immense pride in his work, a quality and work ethic he passed onto his children. He would often be seen working around his home, or around town at local events. As a Yankees and Syracuse University sports fan, it was always easy to spot him coming with his favorite yellow Yankees hat on. He was an avid movie watcher and going to the movie theater was a favorite pastime for he and Robin.

Philip was a member of the United Church of Christ in Sherburne and was the treasurer for as long as most can remember. He was known as the handyman around the building and took part in the choir. He was always an early riser and would be ready to serve breakfast at the churches yearly retreat to Camp Oswegatchie. He was also a part of the Sherburne Music Theater Society and on top of being in the musicals, would also lead set building for which he received the golden hammer award for his service.

What Philip will be most remembered for by those who loved him was his inquisitive caring nature and the knowledge that he would always be there when needed. Philip was a friend, a mentor, and a teacher to many and though his light was taken, his spirit will carry on in those who had the pleasure of coming into contact with him.

Philip was predeceased by His mother, Anna; father, Arthur; and sister Shelly. He is survived by his wife, Robin; sons, Eric (Deb), Todd (Kelly) and Brian (Tracie). He had many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Dick and sister Dale.  

Services will be held at the United Church of Christ, located at 1 S. Main St., Sherburne at 1pm on Saturday, March 26^th. Celebration of life to be held after the service from 2-5pm at the former Magro’s Banquet Hall located at 103A Sanitarium Rd, Sherburne.

Interment will be in the Sherburne Quarter Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Philip & Robin Leinbach Memorial Scholarship using the following: Contributions at the time of service: Check made out to Brian Leinbach and mailed to 5823 Innsbruck Rd, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Online payments: PayPal – Leinbach14@hotmail.com; Venmo @Brian-Leinbach-1(last 4 of phone number: 7762)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.

To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com