Leland (Lee) N. Knickerbocker, 91, of Sebastian, FL died July 19, 2014 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL after a brief illness.

He was the eldest son of Douglas N. and Ruth (Loomis) Knickerbocker of Dalton, MA. He graduated from Dalton High School and attended post graduate vocational school of carpentry.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps during WWII in the Pacific, he returned to Dalton where he married the former Helene Savery. He began his career as a home builder with his partner and mentor, Lyman Galusha. He furthered his career as a developer, Lee Knickerbocker, Inc. and custom built many homes in Dalton. He was a member of The First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) of Dalton, MA, and donated his time and skills doing renovations to local churches. He was also a member of Dalton Rotary, and a former member of the Masonic Temple.

He loved to travel, and saw the world with Helene and his friends Harry Walton and Abbott Combes. He and Helene were very proud of their garden, sharing their bounty of fruits, vegetables and flowers with friends, neighbors and family. He and Helene relocated to Sebastian, FL in 1989, to enjoy the warmer winters and to be near grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Helene, and by his son-in-law, Howie Seckendorf of Barrington, NH.

He is survived by his brother, Gerald Knickerbocker of Brattleboro, VT, son, Clark (Anne) Knickerbocker of Houston, TX, daughter Patricia (Christopher) Gray of Sebastian, FL, and daughter Kimberly Seckendorf of Barrington, NH. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren, five great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

A service to celebrate Lee's life will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM, Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:

VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960;

Howie's Field of Dreams, c/o Rochester Rotary Charities, P.O. Box 779, Rochester, NH 03867

or

The Snapdragon Book Foundation, c/o Steven Knickerbocker, 2630 Traywick Chase, Alpharetta, GA 30004