Leo J. Telesmanick

Photo Leo J Telesmanick NEW BEDFORD -- Leo J. Telesmanick, 85, of Dartmouth, died, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Alma I. (Marcioni) Telesmanick and the son of the late John and Elise (St. Pierre) Telesmanick. He was born in New Bedford and lived in Dartmouth since 1963. Mr. Telesmanick was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in South Dartmouth. He was a master boat builder locally who began his apprenticeship under John Beetle at the age of 15. In 1936, he became foreman of Beetle production.

When Concordia purchased Beetle's rights in 1946, Mr. Telesmanick became head of the Beetle Cat Division. He was one of the last surviving builders of the Beetle whaleboats and built landing ships during World War II for Palmer Scott.

He was widely known in yatching circles for his sailing expertise and the New England Beetle Cat Association hosts the Leo J. Telesmanick Championship Race annually.

He was the founder of the Low Tide Yacht Club and a member of the New Bedford Yacht Club, The New Bedford Port Society, the New Bedford Whaling Museum and was Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, McMahon Council. He was consultant to the Mystic Seaport Museum. He was a committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 19 at St. James Church in New Bedford and was the recipient of the Silver Beaver and St. George Awards.

Survivors include his widow; a daughter, Jean Harney of New Bedford; a son, Jon L. Telesmanick of Newburgh, N.Y.; two brothers, Angelo Telesmanick of New Bedford and Eugene Telesmanick of New York, N.Y.; a sister Odelie Quigley, of Washingtonville, N.Y.; and six grandchildren, Erin Jean Martens, Amy Jane Yergeau, Anne-Marie Harney, Sarah Louise Sullivan, Kathy Diana Wurster, and Rachel Marie Telesmanick.

He was the brother of the late Charles Telesmanick and John Telesmanick. His Mass was said at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary's Church and his burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Guestbook for Leo