Donald W. "Shorty" Leppard, 79, of Liverpool, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.  Donald was born on June 7, 1945 in Syracuse, NY, son of the late June (Prunner) and Larry Leppard. He lived in Liverpool for over 30 years.

Upon graduating high school Shorty immediately went into the military to protect his country and served in the US Navy. Despite his medical discharge, he spoke highly of how the military changed his life and his taste buds. He learned to cook for many people and focused on appeasing everyone's individual palate. This helped his initial career as a chef, but more importantly the family dinners every Sunday. All of the children and grandchildren gathered to try his next best creation of flavorful foods.

His family was his life.  He enjoyed teaching them to fish, taking walks for ice cream, chasing the grandkids around for kisses or just sitting at the table socializing. The smiles and hugs made his week at The Old Man's Garage worth every minute. As owner/operator of his own shop he learned many things including perfecting his vocabulary.

Although most people would describe Shorty as agreeable, those who knew him well knew a smile and head nod meant he had already tuned you out, or had turned his hearing aid off and had no idea what you were saying.

The one thing he would talk about for hours was his 1951 Chevy coupe Pro Mod race car in candy apple red. Between time trials and NHRA races around the US, nothing competed with his family other than laying rubber on the pavement from his car. When his family came out to watch the races, he had his entire world with him. Shorty's smile and his gleaming pride radiated from him and could be seen by everyone.

Although he would feel his life was cut short at a mere 79 years old, he leaves behind a legacy for his children and grandchildren to talk about for years to come. He is predeceased by his parents, June and Larry Leppard; brother, Roger Leppard and his dog, Zeke.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Deborah A. (Sprague) Leppard; his children, Donald, Missy, Jason and Michele; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Randy and Larry and sister, Sandra.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second Street, Liverpool, NY 13088, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory can be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home online guestbook for Donald to express your condolences to his family.