I am saddened to inform you that Professor Emeritus Steven J. “Bud” Lesko, Jr., passed away on March 9 at the age of 88 in Penfield. He was predeceased by his wife, Edna, and his siblings, Jimmy and Margaret. He is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Originally from Binghamton, Mr. Lesko earned a bachelor of civil engineering degree from Clarkson College. He served in the US Army during World War II where he was first exposed to teaching. Prior to coming to Rochester and MCC, Mr. Lesko was a chief engineering for Binghamton Bridge and Foundation Co., in Endicott, N.Y. where he coordinated bridge and road construction projects.
MCC welcomed Mr. Lesko in 1964 as an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Technology. He became chair of the Department of Civil Technology in 1968 and is credited for building the program that evolved into our Engineering Science and Physics Department. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 1968.
In addition to incorporating computers into all civil technology courses, Mr. Lesko developed surveying, drawing, and drafting courses for carpenters. He also developed special training programs for Monroe County’s Department of Public Works and for town superintendents through MCC’s Continuing Education Community Service Office.
Mr. Lesko participated in career awareness programs in the Rush-Henrietta School District with fellow professors. He also contributed to the development of Rochester Institute of Technology’s bachelor of engineering technology and bachelor of civil construction technology degree programs, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s civil technology program. He also lent his surveying and mapping expertise to MCC’s property maps, utility line planning, and the planning for MCC’s swimming pool.
Known for his outstanding dedication to MCC and its students, and for his wonderful sense of humor, Mr. Lesko was awarded the 1986 Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching. He retired from MCC the same year and was quickly distinguished as a professor emeritus for his 21 years of service to the college. Mr. Lesko also enjoyed teaching religion and serving as a communicant of Assumption Parish in Fairport.
Services were held last week. Donations in his memory may be made to Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Rd. South, Rochester, NY 14625.
Anne M. Kress
President's Office
03/19/2013 |