Edward Thomas Leith

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Former Staten Islander Edward Thomas Leith, 76, of Bennington, Vt., a retired sheet metal worker, yoga teacher and world traveler who will be remembered for his spirituality and his passion for life, died Saturday in the Vermont Veterans' Home, Bennington, where he had resided for four years.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he moved to Grymes Hill in 1964, and later lived in many Island communities.

After serving in the U.S. Navy and the Merchant Marine, he was inspired to travel extensively. In 2000, he moved to Vietnam, where he relished the culture and civilization. He lived there for six years, then returned to the Island, moving to Sunnyside to live with his son, William.

A member of Local 28, Sheet Metal Workers, he was a sheet metal worker for 30 years, and was proud to have taken part in the construction of the World Trade Center, Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium.

Mr. Leith also taught yoga for over 20 years at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Manhattan, where he was affectionately known as "Sivaram the Sunday Guy," familly said.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Surviving Mr. Leith,a long with his son, William, are his son, Jere; his daughter, Amy Leith; a brother, Robert; a sister, Virginia O'Brian, and four grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Arrangements include cremation.