Donald Leitzel Sr. | Obituary

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Donald M. Leitzel Sr., of Point Township, Northumberland, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Geisinger Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on August 23, 1936, in Dry Valley, a son of Ammon Jerome and Sarah Grace (Carl) Leitzel. He married in Sunbury on June 4, 1961, to Martha Jane Shipe, who survived. They are blessed to have enjoyed 60 years together.

Don graduated from Mifflinburg Area High School in 1954, then served as an aircraft electrician in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959, followed by 4 years in the National Guard.

Don worked for the New Columbia Joist Company (formerly Ceco) as a mechanic for 30 years until retiring in 1998. He attended Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church, Sunbury, was a lifelong member of the Americaus Tube Company. , and former member of the Northumberland -Point Township Record Commission.

Don had a heavy interest in sports, competing as a catcher in Sunbury’s softpitch fastpitch leagues in his younger years, and eventually coached Northumberland Acorn Little League teams for many years. She enthusiastically followed the athletic pursuits of her children and grandchildren until they became adults.

Don continues to be busy with his many hobbies, which include building models of railroad layouts, building and flying model airplanes, working in wood and making leather goods. For many years, he maintained a stance in the Lewisburg Farmers ’market selling his creations. The long-awaited of his past days was hanging out with his friends over breakfast at Sunbury Burger King.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Donald Jr. and Cindy Leitzel of Northumberland, Debra and James Newman of Selinsgrove, and Dani Leitzel of Lake Hopatcong, NJ; six grandchildren, Kurt and Kristin Leitzel of Dillsburg, Krystal Leitzel of Sunbury, Kyle Leitzel of Northumberland, and Tylor, Dylon and Brooke Leitzel of Lake Hopatcong, NJ; three great -grandchildren, Koralie, Trevor and Colby; sister -in -law, Wilma Leitzel, Kay Shipe, Helen Shipe; brother -in -law, Stanley Yeager; many nieces and nephews; and his cat, DJ.

He was preceded in death by siblings Mary, Carl, Robert, Martha, Marvin, Kenneth and William; brothers -in -law, Ronald and Robert Shipe; and sister -in -law Helen Yeager.

The family would like to thank the GMC nurses on the 4th and 5th floors who treated Don with so much compassion and care.

A viewing will be held at Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church, Sunbury, from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, July 26, with the funeral immediately following, officiated by Pastor Josh Gibson.

The interment is at Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington. Masking encouraged.

In exchange for flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the Veterans Administration.

Don is loved and greatly missed by his family, friends and DJ.

Arrangements were made by Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 395 State St., Sunbury.

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