Richard Leslie Fleisher

After fully living and enjoying 71 great years on this earth, Richard Leslie Fleisher of Morgantown passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at his home. He was born May 7, 1943 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Maurice and Celia Sooper Fleisher. Richard was employed by West Virginia University Extension as an International Specialist and poverty researcher. He led initiatives in global education, and poverty awareness. He was a staunch advocate of social justice, and recognized as an educator on the issue of poverty. He founded and formally chaired the Regalos Elizabeth Foundation (a non-profit organization supporting immigrants), and he also founded and chaired other endowments for impoverished children and families. He was an avid WVU sports fan, was proud to have traveled to all seven continents, and loved reading. He was fluent in Spanish, loved ice cream, and nothing pleased him more than spending time with his grandchildren. Left to carry on his legacy are his three children, Greg Fleisher of Greenbelt, MD, Jessica Gosa and her husband Travis of Ithaca, NY, and Elizabeth Fleisher of Blacksburg, VA; his darlin’, Vicki Dillon and her three daughters Dr. Leslie Kidd of Tampa, FL, Sarah Kidd of Charleston, and Elizabeth Kidd of Houston, TX; a brother, Howard Fleisher of Johnson City, TN; two grandchildren, Kaden Watkins-Fleisher and Isaac Gosa; and two step-grandchildren, James and Samuel Bair. Richard decided to allow his legacy of giving to continue by becoming a part of the Human Gift Registry at WVU. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Saturday, February 14th from 5:30 PM until the time of the service celebrating his life at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the WVU Mark Dillon Endowment Fund; c/o Denis Scott; PO Box 6031 Morgantown, WV 26501. Send condolences online @ hastingsfuneralhome.com