Dr. Neil C. Leerssen

Dr. Neil Clayton Leerssen, MD, 73, of Newport, RI died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Dr. Leerssen was born October 23, 1944 in Littlefork, MN to Otto Frederick and Dorothy Elaine (Cedarblade) Leerssen, who predeceased him. He was the husband of Betsy (Shaw) Leerssen. Neil graduated from the University of Minnesota, earning both undergraduate and Medical Degrees. Following an internship in Burlington, Vermont, he became an Emergency Room physician in Fall River at Truesdale Hospital, followed by Charlton Memorial Hospital, which is now part of the Southcoast Hospital Systems. In 2009, he retired after 39 years of faithful service. Dr. Leerssen was an early member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Outside of work, he was a member of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the Redwood Library, Quindecim and Channing Memorial Church. His greatest joys were his family, jazz music and sailing. He was a tremendous cook and loved a big family meal. He is survived by his wife Betsy (Shaw) Leerssen of Newport, his children, Anika Marriott and her husband Chad of Portland, Oregon, Jens Leerssen of San Francisco, CA; and his step children, Christopher Yalanis and his wife Laura of Newport, Gregory Yalanis and wife Ryan of Newport, and Nicole Robinson and her husband Forest Handford of Berlin, MA. He also leaves his grandchildren, Toby and Liza Marriott, Nicholas, Anna and Katie Yalanis, Quinn Yalanis, Elliott and Ben Robinson, and Cassie Handford. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 12 at Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Private RI, Service NOV 12. 02:00 PM Channing Memorial Church 135 Pelham Street Newport, RI, US