Leslie "Les" Arthur Dumas

Les was the beloved son of Arthur Euclid Dumas and Josephine Van Aerde. He grew up in Sunnyside, New York, alongside his sister, Lorette Schmidt (Frances Joseph/Joe), who preceded him in death.

Les was married to his beloved wife, Margaret Mary (Marge) Dumas, for 64 years. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and cherished traditions. Their home on 169th Street in Flushing, New York, was where they raised their family and lived until 2015. Their backyard was often a gathering place for family pool time and barbecues, where Les and Marge enjoyed hosting their children, grandchildren and extended family. These gatherings brought good food, laughter, and treasured time together.

Les proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserve for two years before pursuing a career in public service. He became a New York City firefighter, serving with Engine 54, where he drove the pumper truck. Following his retirement from the Fire Department, Les continued his career in fire safety as a fire safety director for Chase Manhattan Bank. Throughout his life, he held many other occupations, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Les was a very generous person, always willing to help others. His generosity and caring nature were an important part of who he was and will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Les also had a lifelong love of driving and enjoyed being behind the wheel for as long as he was able. Even after he lost his vision and could no longer drive, his extraordinary memory for roads, routes, and maps remained. He seemed to know the roads by heart and was affectionately regarded as a "human atlas." His remarkable ability to recall directions was one of the many qualities that made him special.

Outside of work, Les treasured spending time with his family. One of the family's most cherished traditions was their annual trip to Keuka Lake in upstate New York, where they created lasting memories together.

In 2016, Les and Marge relocated to their home in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they enjoyed the warm weather, time at the pool, visits with family and friends, and the opportunity to relax and enjoy life together. One of the highlights of living in North Carolina was welcoming family each summer for a couple of weeks, when his son Paul and his family, along with his daughter Lesley Anne and her children, came down to visit. These special summer visits gave Les and Marge precious time with their loved ones and created lasting memories.

Les loved music, especially the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra, he also enjoyed watching old black-and-white movies on television, and playing scrabble online with his wife, his son Paul and daughter in law Tracy. These simple pleasures, along with time spent with loved ones, brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.

Les is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret Mary (Marge) Dumas, and his children Paul Dumas and his wife, Tracy; Michelle Jordan and her husband, Paul; and John Dumas and his wife, Sandra. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Lesley Anne Aprile. Angelo Aprile, Lesley Anne’s former husband, remains involved with the family and continues to be an important part of their lives.

Les was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Kevin, Christopher (Leah) , Julianne; Jonathan, Paul (Kim), Brian (Jordan), Nicholas (Annie), and his late grandson, John. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Nathaniel, and Julia, who brought added joy to his life.

Les will be remembered for his years of service, his generosity, his dedication to his family, and the many memories he created with those he loved. His life was marked by hard work, kindness, family traditions, and the enduring love he shared with Marge, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His generous spirit and loving memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the many treasured memories they will carry forward.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 pm.