Donald Leech Obituary

Donald L. Leech

Mar 2, 1924 - Jan 16, 2024

Sandusky

Donald Law Leech, 99, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 16, 2024, six weeks before his 100th birthday at his home.

He was born March 2, 1924, in Sandusky, and was a 1942 graduate of Sandusky High School. Don was a proud lifetime resident of Sandusky.

He was inducted into U.S. Army on Feb. 5, 1943, and was a member of the 101st infantry. Don received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars after being wounded on Oct. 20, 1944, in France during World War II. He returned to Sandusky to marry Beverly Foley at Sts. Peter and Paul parsonage.

Don was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, whereas a young boy he sang in the Boys Choir. He was a founding member of Briarcrest Swim Club. He enjoyed swimming at the YMCA and spending Sundays at Cedar Point beach. Don was a loyal supporter of the Sandusky High School swim team and took pride in watching his sons and grandchildren compete. He liked target shooting at the Conservation League. For the past several years, he attended the Men's Club at the Senior Center and could be found singing at VFW or American Legion karaoke nights. Most recently, he went to pay his dues at VFW and they presented him with a Lifetime membership and gift card. He was able to enjoy many years of his life following his retirement from the former Sandusky Foundry.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed everyone's company and anyone would tell you what a true gentleman he was. His memories of early Sandusky were unmatched and he could tell what each building housed 50 years ago.

He is survived by three sons, Ronald (Patti) Leech of Sandusky, Gary Leech of Brooklyn, Ohio, and Kevin (Cheryl) Leech of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Terese Leech, Ryan (Brittney) Leech, Todd Leech, Rebecca (Micheal) Criswell, Justin (Courtney) Leech, and Joey (Gabrielle) DiBiaso; 13 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Don was preceded in death by his wife in 1999, Beverly Leech; parents, Marvin and Valeska (Walker) Leech; brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Betty Leech; sister, Faith Leech; and special companion, Pat Cebull.

Visitation for friends will be 12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, until the time of Don's funeral at 1 p.m. at Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Pastor Mel Sayler will officiate. Entombment will be at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky VA Clinic, 1912 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, to support local veterans in need.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.