GERMANTOWN, TN – Newland A. Lesko, 74, of Germantown, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 25, 2019. Newland was born and raised in Livermore Falls, ME, the son of the late George and Joyce Timberlake Lesko. He was a graduate of Colby College in Waterville, ME, and was employed by the International Paper Corp. for nearly 42 years, retiring as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Technology. He enjoyed and was accomplished at hunting and fishing. He also cherished time spent with family and friends.
Newland is survived by his beloved wife Lisa A. Breedlove Lesko; his children Dirk Lesko of Harpswell, ME, Jani L. Lesko of Chicago, IL, Blake L. Morrison of Memphis, TN, Laura L. Lesko of Germantown, TN, and Christa L. Hawks of Byhalia, MS; his sister Sally Bates of Biddeford, ME; and his grandchildren Dana and Camden Lesko, and Julia and Hunter Morrison. He was predeceased by his brother George Lesko, Jr.
There will be no open services or calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for people to make donations to the International Paper Employee Relief Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Amy Brumfield
My thoughts prayers and all my love are with you all. Newland was a gentle, kind giant who loved so well. He will be missed.
Joe Krisle
I have nothing but pleasant memories of Newland. We will all miss him.
Cindy Haverty
To the entire Lesko family I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. What a special man indeed. Many hugs to you all and Laura I am so thankful he got to be at your wedding and what fantastic pictures you have of him. Many hugs to you Lisa as he is free of pain now and he will forever be watching over all of you.
Lisa Douglas, Collierville TN
So sorry to learn of Newlands passing. He was truly one of the nicest men I ever met. His unconditional love and adoration for his family was so obvious in everything he did.
Clark and Helen Souther
We are so sorry for your loss will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Towle
Dearest Lisa, Blake, Laura and Christa,
There are no words to express the loss you have had. Newland was the most unpretentious person I have ever met. A wonderful caring husband, father, grandfather as well as a loved family member and friend. You all are in my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Jan Krisle
Our family has so many sweet memories of Newland. There is one memory that continues to make me smile. On the times he came to our place to see you girls ride, he would sit on the deck watching you. My ragtag cat always jumped in his lap. Newland patiently petted the cat and allowed him that pleasure as long as he was there. That really amazed me. Most people would have considered the cat a nuisance and shooed him away. Newland showed his kindness in so many ways. And if he opened his mouth, he very likely had something witty and funny to say and it would be impossible not to laugh. You were all so blessed to have him.
Mark and Laurie Sutton
Newland was such a wonderful man – husband and father. And outstanding IP mentor and legend. We loved listening to his stories especially about the horses and farm. He always had a smile and a punch line that made us laugh. We will miss him. Our hearts are so full of love for your family. You are held close in our prayers. Love, Mark, Laurie, and family.
Pat Fox
My heartfelt condolences to the Lesko family. Newland was a kind, strong, loving man who treasured his family and would do anything for them. He had a great sense of humor that he shared with his family and friends (especially, with his brothers-in-law). As difficult as things were, he always thought of his loved ones first. We will greatly miss him. Love, peace and prayers to his family and friends.
Michelle DeRoche
My deepest condolences to Christa and the entire Lesko family,. I remember the beautiful loving stories you shared about your Dad and how much he meant to you and your family. I am so sorry.
Carol Nichols
Glenn and I remember the time our beautiful girls, Christa and Mary, introduced us at their UT Graduation after they each received their Master’s Degree in Human Resources. We had such a wonderful lunch with our girls. We remember Newland as a kind, caring man, who loved his family dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lisa, and your entire family. Newland will be watching over all of you. Fondly, Glenn and Carol Nichols, Loudon, TN
Shynessa Cook (Shy)
So heartbroken to hear of Newland’s passing. I can say without any doubt Newland was the wisest man I have ever known. He sparked so many ideas and thoughts in me. I use to write down so many of my questions about life and bring them to work just to hear his thoughts. Newland was definitely one of those rare men you only read about , he was kind, caring , generous, and funny. I was extremely grateful for having known him. I never told Newland how much his thoughts and care meant to me, so to Lisa, Blake, Laura and Christa you all will always have a special place in my heart and the kindness and generosity that your family has shown me will never be forgotten and the memories we have shared will always be cherished. As I continue to pray, may care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead, my condolences.
Susan Lawless-Glassman
I am so very sorry you will not have your Father’s physical being with you, but I hope the amazing love he has for all of you holds you forever.
Gopi Pai
I worked for Newland for 25 years. In those years I got to know him very well. It is hard to find a more genuine person. He was extremely intelligent and had a sense of humor. Above all I found him to be a very fair person. You did your job you got an atta boy, but always you knew where you stood. We will miss him and his valuable guidance. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Gopi and Sheila Pai
Steve Kite-Powell
Newland, your presence on this Earth will certainly be missed. You were always an inspiration to me as a leader at IP. Truly a model leader – – fair yet firm, and one of the best there. God be with you and you family and prayers for condolences to all.
Tom Bice
I have always thought Newland was a great guy. I enjoyed my work experience with him in Ticonderoga, NY.
Note to Lisa: Yes, I am still alive and playing Tennis 2-3 times a week…tom.
Ron Howell
I’m so sorry to hear the news of Newland’s passing. I was both a HR lawyer and a business lawyer for IP and Newland was my client in both instances.
He was smart, intuitive, insightful and a wonderful leader and friend. I’ll miss him.
Bathsheba Sams
It is with great sadness to learn of Newland’s passing. He was a wonderful mentor.
So very sorry for your loss!
Maura and Steve Smith
A wonderful, kind and authentic person, Newland made a huge difference in so many people’s lives. He was devoted to his family, and was an inspirational and knowlegable leader at International Paper. With unyielding integrity and wisdom, he advised his colleagues and spoke plainly so that the path forward was clear to all. I had the great privilege of working with Newland at IP, and enjoyed spending time at horse shows with him and his beloved family. He was so proud of each of your accomplishments–on and off the horses!
Lisa, you and your family are in our prayers!
Love, Maura and Steve
Rick & Gloria Brubaker
Lisa, so sorry to hear of Newland’s passing. I had a great deal of respect and admiration for him and enjoyed working with him many times over the years. He was truly a special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mike Exner
So sad to hear about Newland. He was such a force of nature in his own very quiet way. Obviously he loved his family and it was fun to see him outside work with his girls and the horses. So glad he had a number of years after IP to enjoy his wonderful family
Molly Baker
I remember watching Newland play sports in high school. My brother (Lauren Harding) was a friend of George’s and knew Newland as well. My father (Perry Harding) worked with Newland at IP and had a high regard for his intellect and problem solving skills. Our family had a respect and affection for the Lesko family and sends our condolences.
Richard Phillips
Newland was one of a kind, both his sense of humor and his direct style of management. I miss his “Newlandisms “. One I use every year in a Leadership class is “Everyone wants to be Santa Claus but no one wants to work on Christmas Eve”. My thoughts are with Lisa and the family he was so proud of
Marcia and Harold Bibb
We will miss Newland greatly. He was much more than a friend; he was considered family.
We know of no one who lived their life with more dignity, grace, kindness, honesty, and humility than Newland did. He was a special man and he will be remembered always.
Noelle LeTexier
Dear Dirk, this is very late, though loosing my father almost 5 years ago who became my only family, I know true loss, and I’m sorry for yours, my Dad was a 35 year old in a 70 year old , I think our fathers were the same age like you and I are.I do remember your birthday is in June.I remember your mom well, though not your Dad.Even though he did visit our property a lot.Id love to hear from you, your childhood friend; Noelle LaVallee @ nletexier49@icloud.com and 910-305-8203. I’m in Charlotte NC. Hope to hear from you soon!!