Philip C. Leitzell, 88, of Lock Haven, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, surrounded by his family.
Born on May 26, 1936, in Milesburg, he was the youngest child of the late James and Helen Wagner Leitzell. Phil graduated from Bellefonte High School and served as a proud Army veteran during the Korean War, stationed in Germany where he played on the Army’s baseball team.
Following his military service, Phil was employed by Piper Aircraft for 28 years. He later worked at Champion Parts in Beech Creek and then Cerro in Bellefonte, from which he retired. Additionally, he was an employee of the Central Pennsylvania Auto Auction over a span of 35 years.
On May 8, 2003, Phil married Mary Jo Sementilli, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage.
Phil was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Elks Club.
He was an avid sports enthusiast, supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and the Penguins. He enjoyed spending fall Saturdays in Happy Valley where he loved watching the Nittany Lions play football. A special thank you to his nephew Danny Leitzell for that opportunity. Phil was also a huge NASCAR fan, loved the game of golf where he spent much time at the 19th hole and participated in various bowling leagues. He was an outdoorsman and loved hunting. He especially looked forward to his yearly trek to the Leitzell hunting camp where he couldn’t wait to share stories and eat prime rib.
In 2020, Phil was inducted into the Clinton and Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of his baseball skills. He cherished his weekly breakfasts at The Texas Lunch Restaurant or The Dunnstown Diner with his 7 AM Wednesday Breakfast Buddies.
He considered himself a highly skilled sudoku player who rarely looked at the back pages (lol) and enjoyed bantering and betting on all things sports with his special friend Hoagie. The biggest bet was for two dimes and a nickel.
Phil is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Leitzell; his children: Caryn Plessinger of Lock Haven, Brian (Heavy) Leitzell of Mill Hall, and Cheryl Knarr of Lock Haven; his grandchildren: Jonathan (Katie) Plessinger, Tyler (Kennedey) Plessinger, and Desiree Neff; his great-grandchildren: Miles Philip, Gage, Emerson, and Alayna, with Tyler and Kennedey expecting another baby next month; his step-children: Nichole Foster and Jeff (Timara) Foster, both of Lock Haven; his step-grandchildren: Austin, Alexa, Anka, Timmy, Jacob, Elissa (Alexis), Emily, Journey, Jaxson and Aydon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Jerome, Jimmy, Donnie, Kay, Leah, and Janie, as well as his step-great grandson, Jevon.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11 AM at Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 5 to 7 PM.
Memorial contributions in Phil’s name may be made to either the Clinton County SPCA or MilitaryShare, c/o Clinton County VA, through the funeral home. Online condolences may be given by visiting http://www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
