LESLIE, JR., M.D.

M. RUSSELL

Dr. Russ Leslie, a devoted husband, father and renowned orthopaedic surgeon, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Virginia Heinz Leslie. Russ graduated from Dartmouth College; He then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Before his medical residency, Russ served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps at Fort McClellan in Alabama. During that time, Russ and Ginger were married in Pittsburgh, PA. Russ and Ginger returned to Pittsburgh for his residency, and then out to Southern California for a hand surgery Fellowship. They returned to Pittsburgh with Russ as a pioneer in microscopic hand surgery and he became one of the founding partners of Oakland Orthopaedic Associates, later known as Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA). During the 70's and 80's, he served as the team physician for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pittsburgh Ballet, and the Pitt Panthers. Russ and Ginger spent summers with their four children at their house in the Chautauqua Institution, NY. Dr. Russ Leslie is survived by his four children: Scott Leslie (Kelly), Lisa Swiggett (Hank), Craig Leslie and Kristen Gardner (Jeff), as well as eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial celebration of Dr. Leslie's life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church located at 384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation) or Chautauqua Institution Foundation, (Chautauqua Fund). Arrangements by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC.

(freyvogelfuneralhome.com)