AUBURN – “L-A Mountain Man” takes his final hike. Joseph “Joe” Lelansky, Jr. a lifelong resident of Auburn, passed away on Feb. 23, 2024, at Clover Manor, at which he had resided for five months.

Joe was the husband of Linda Lenfest Lelansky for 33 years, following the death of his first wife Elizabeth “Betty” Blood Lelansky to whom he had been married for 38 years.

Joe, the oldest son of Joseph and Dorothy (Bolduc) Lelansky, was born June 15, 1931 at Auburn Private Hospital. He attended Edward Little High School, of which he was editor for the school paper, and graduated in 1950.

Joe’s career spanned 35 years with Sears Roebuck. He was a member of High Street Congregational Church for over 80 years, serving on various committees. Joe took pride in his 25-year service to Boy Scout Troop 137 as scoutmaster. For many summers he led scouts on excursions to Mt. Katandin and Camp Hinds. Joe’s love of hiking and camping continued beyond his years of service with Boy Scouts of America. Each year in June, along with a core group of friends and sometimes family, Joe would make yet another trek up the mountain.

A sports enthusiast Joe always enjoyed attending local sporting events, especially ELHS and Bates College basketball. He also followed New England sports teams, taking much pleasure in watching the Celtics, Patriots and Boston Red Sox on television. Joe would do this quite often with his son; however if Bill wasn’t there watching the game with him, Joe would be sure to call him to discuss the game.

An avid reader, Joe was a faithful patron of the Auburn Public Library, of which he was a corporator. Being a cancer survivor, and to also honor his son John who passed from brain cancer, Joe participated in the annual Dempsey Challenge for five years while in his 80s.

Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Betty; sons David and John; and siblings Herbert and Beckey Sue.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Gregory and William, stepsons Michael, Craig, and Daniel Johnson; and siblings Sheila, Cheryl, and Geoffrey. Joe also leaves behind four granddaughters, four step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Additionally, Joe is survived by Allie Cullen, a family friend who for several years lived with Joe and Linda.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Clover Manor for the care extended to Joe during his stay.

A service will be held at High Street Congregational Church in Auburn on June 15, which marks the 93rd anniversary of Joe’s birth and pays tribute to his annual trips to Katandin. Go rest high on the mountain, beloved Joe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Auburn Public Library.

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