Paul Leitzinger

Paul Leitzinger passed away February 27, 2023 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Helen (nee Yzaguirre), his children Laura, John F. (Thuy), Paul Jr Leitzinger, Maria (Brian) Mauntel, and Matthew Leitzinger; grandchildren Jack and Floyd Leitzinger, Samantha Ruiz, Lily and Lina Leitzinger, and Oliver and Henry Mauntel, as well as great grandchildren, Quinn, Jane, Landon, and Chase. Also survived by siblings Jim (Lois), Phil (Vicki), and Bob Leitzinger, Sue (Ted) Doroshenk, Jack (Diane) and Tom Leitzinger, Ann (Russ) Schneider, and Mary (Rick) Rogers. Paul was preceded in death by his parents John F. and Helen (nee Waylonis), and his sisters Kay and Jean Leitzinger.

Paul was born on February 17, 1935 in Clearfield, PA to John and Helen Leitzinger. He graduated from St. Francis High School, then went on to the University of Notre Dame on a NROTC scholarship, where he graduated in 1957. After three years of active service, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and got his Master in Retailing. He worked at Gimbels and Hornes in Pittsburgh before accepting a job at Federated Department Stores (now Macy’s) in 1966, where he worked until he retired in 1996.

Paul had a very open and caring mind, which helped him to accept and enjoy the different cultures and customs he encountered on foreign and American travels. A voracious reader (he read the entire works or Shakespeare during his bus ride to work), he constantly strived to learn as much as he could about everything. He loved roses, Graeter’s, and cookies of any kind, shape or flavor.

A proud and involved father, he made time to attend the sports, academic, music, and art activities of all his children. While not an athlete himself (his boyhood dream was to play football at Notre Dame), he was an avid fan of the Irish, Bengals, and Xavier basketball.

Paul gave generously of his time, talent, and treasure. Over the years he was involved with his parish, the Archdiocese Office, the Paddock Hills Assembly, CABVI, Su Casa, and the St. Vincent de Paul pantry. He loved music, sang in the church choir, and attended every music event he could get to. Much of his IRA fund was used to contribute to charities and institutions that he believed in. He didn’t merely talk about his faith, he lived it. The commands to love God and neighbor were instilled in his core, and he served as an example for all who knew him.

If there is such a thing as a Catholic mensch, he was the man.

Paul's family is asking for donations to be made in his name to a few causes closest to his heart:
- The Church of the Resurrection (in Bond Hill). They have been members there for almost 55 years
- Cincinnati Association for the Blind. Dad was a trustee there for almost 10 years
- The Gardner Center for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders at UC Hospital. They treated his Parkinson’s for over 20 years.

Visitation, Monday, March 6, 2023 9:30am at Church of the Resurrection, 1619 California Ave 45237, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.

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