Date of Service:
May 29, 2026
Date of Viewing:
May 29, 2026
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Leslie Elmer Layton, 77, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on February 26, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Les lived a life defined by devotion to family, hard work, service, and the sea. A proud Navy veteran, he served aboard the USS Preserver before returning to the life he knew best — the water. As a sixth-generation commercial fisherman, 100 Ton Master Captain, and member of the Belford Seafood Cooperative, Les spent his life working the waters that brought him both purpose and peace, always providing for those he loved most. He was also honored to participate in the sea trials for the USS Jimmy Carter.
Above all else, Les was a deeply committed and loving family man. He shared 41 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Colleen McGrath Layton. He was a proud father to Thomas Elmer Layton and Laura Layton Monroy (Roman), and a devoted grandfather to Roman, Adrian, Christian, and Coral, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying time together.
Les also leaves behind a large extended family including his “favorite” mother in law Rosemary McGrath as well as multiple sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends, all of whom he treasured deeply.
Les was known for his warm personality, quick wit, and gift for conversation. He could strike up a friendship with anyone he met, earning him the affectionate family nickname, “The Mayor.” His sense of humor and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Beyond his work and family, Les had a passion for genealogy and tracing his family roots. He dedicated countless hours to researching relatives, preserving family history, and maintaining a Find a Grave memorial page that helped connect generations of family members over the years. He was also a proud member of the Historical Society of Highlands, reflecting his deep connection to his hometown and its history.
Les also believed strongly in service to others. He was a former volunteer member of the Highlands Fire Department and the Highlands First Aid Squad in Highlands, New Jersey, organizations he proudly supported during his years in New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Morrison Layton; his father, Elmer Leslie Layton; and his brother, Craig Layton.
Les leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and devotion to family and community. No words could ever fully express the depth of his love or the immeasurable place he holds in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory. The visitation will begin at 4:00 PM and the funeral will begin at 6:00 PM with Military Honors to follow.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
April J Digiorgio - Friend
May 27, 2026, 12:37 am
So very sorry to hear about Les. He was always nice when we were together. Colleen, I know that you will always love Les with all your heart. I am always here if you need to talk n just need a little getaway.
Roman Monroy - Grandchild
May 27, 2026, 12:40 am
You will always hold a special place in my heart, Grandfather. I take comfort in knowing you are at peace, and I promise to honor your memory by watching over Grandma until you guys see each other again.
PATRICK S. MASON JR. - FRIEND
May 27, 2026, 1:11 pm
Les will surely be missed. He was a good friend for many many years. Always smiling and positive energy. My condolences to the family, your all in my Prayers. May he Rest in Peace.
Jim Smith - Friend
May 27, 2026, 3:19 pm
Les was one of those people that you knew as soon as you met him, he was a friend for life. Some of my earliest memories of Les was when he and his Dad Elmer, would go up to my Pappy’s house and help him with his old wooden boat … those guys were so talented. As I grew up and went into the Marine Corps I would see Les down at the boats, or at Katz and he would always ask how I was doing, tell me about his time on the “Carter” He was always kind to me. Later when I worked with his Father in Law, it was more of the same, always just a Gentleman. We both moved on from Highlands and we would connect every once in a while on FB, but in my heart, he was always there, a friend. The world needs more people like Les. He left a positive indelible mark on me and I am sure, so many others
Reenie McCann Johnson - Cousin
May 27, 2026, 3:55 pm
I am so sorry to hear of this. Make he rest in peace and my prayers to the entire family
Debra Redmond - Friend
May 27, 2026, 8:14 pm
Colleen, sending my deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Patricia Waldron
May 27, 2026, 9:27 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jan Crump - Cousin
May 27, 2026, 9:36 pm
Dennis & I are in prayer for you and the family. Les is a blessing to remember. It was awesome to have spent time with him at the Highlands clam bakes. We counted him as a Memorial hero today (Memorial Day). He served on the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter circa 1968. I will sorely miss him but I thank God for having him as a cousin in life. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you. Dennis & I are in prayer for you and the family. Les is a blessing to remember. It was awesome to have spent time with him at the Highlands clam bakes. We counted him as a Memorial hero today (Memorial Day).He served on the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter circa 1968. I will sorely miss him but I thank God for having him as a cousin in life May the Lord strengthen and comfort you. Dennis & I are in prayer for you and the family. Les is a blessing to remember. It was awesome to have spent time with him at the Highlands clam bakes. We counted him as a Memorial hero today (Memorial Day). He served on the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter circa 1968. I will sorely miss him but I thank God for having him as a cousin in life May the Lord strengthen and comfort you. The death of a loved one leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but Love leaves a memory that no one can steal. There will be precious memories stored in the treasure chest of your heart. Thank God for them.
With love,
Cousin Jan and Dennis too.
Rexanne Domico - friend/ colleague
May 28, 2026, 9:53 pm
Colleen -As we discussed a couple of times already, you were blessed beyond measure. You and Les shared a wonderful life and marriage for 41 years! I am thankful that you were able to guide him through this last chapter exactly the way you and your family wanted and Les knows you did that! I wish you peace and healing in the days to come. Your work family is here to support you. I wish I could be there on Friday but I will be there in spirit. Les was equally lucky to have a wonderful partner like you! I offer you my prayers and support for you and your family.
Kayla Osorio Fernández (Ronan) - Niece
May 29, 2026, 3:10 am
Uncle Les, you’ve been around my entire life. To know you aren’t here anymore makes my heart ache. I just want to thank you for being the best uncle I’ve ever had. I will always remember your amazing sense of humor and your hilarious smart remarks. Even though I can’t be here to say goodbye to you with the rest of our family, I’m glad I can say I still got one last hug the last time I saw you. No amount of words will ever be enough to show how much I will miss you, but I find comfort in knowing you are at peace and pain free. I love you.
Loretta Bermes
May 29, 2026, 9:36 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of this. Les was a long time friend from Highlands NJ I went to school with him and he was always kind to me then and as we got older. I spoke to him at our class reunion and on facebook at times, but I would follow his life as he posted on fb. Condolences to his wife Colleen and family. He will be sorely missed. RIP my friend.
Doris Calicchio-Thomson - Friend
May 30, 2026, 9:28 pm
I am SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR THIS.. Les was a nice man I knew him my entire life .he was a hard worker for yrs working on the boat with his dad.. My heartfelt Condolences to Colleen and his children and Grandchildren ..He was So Very Proud of them all.RIP MY FRIEND