Piece Funeral services were held Friday, May 29, in Vero Beach, Florida, for Leslie Elmer Layton, 77, who died peacefully at home in Vero Beach May 23, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in February 1949, Les was a Highlands raised clammer and fisherman, devoted to his town and the generations of his family who made their own marks on the Bayshore community and surrounding area for more than two centuries.
Known for his warm personality, quick wit, and gift for conversation, Les 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 like his father before him, 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 lived a life defined by devotion to family, hard work, service, and the sea. He second generation of his family to serve, he was a proud Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Preserver before continuing on the water in the life he knew best He was a sixth-generation commercial fisherman, 100 Ton Master Captain, and member of the Belford Seafood Cooperative, knowing his life working the waters brought both purpose and peace to himself, as well as assistance, help for others, and a secure provision for those he loved most, his family. He felt proud and honored that he was also able 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 leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and devotion to family and community, as others recognized the depth of his love or the immeasurable place he holds in the hearts of those who loved him.
The Highlands Historical Society has special memories of a Highlands man whose family has contributed and been part of the history of the borough long before it became a borough. Historian Walter Guenther recalls his stories of Highlands and especially fishing and clamming in local waters which he and his family had done for generations. They always would return to Highlands for their Family Reunions around the Clam Fest since they moved to Florida years ago, Guenther recalls.
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