Obituary of Joseph J. Leichtnam

Joseph J. Leichtnam of Maywood, NJ, 85, passed away on December 18, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He and his bride Paula J. Trapani Leichtnam were married for 60 years until her passing in January 2021. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Copeland, her husband Ian, their children Samantha, Wyatt and Miley; daughter Karen Maccaro, her children Danielle Hudak, Jenna Hudak, husband Brian Danielson and Nicole Hudak; daughter Susan Mahon; her husband Greg, their children Brendan, Ryan, and Madison; daughter Jennifer Leichtnam, her husband Michael Dunleavy and their daughter Lea; his brothers Richard, wife Brenda, and John, wife Eleanor; his sisters Barbara and Florence and his pre-deceased brother Andrew Leichtnam and his late wife Tommie and his pre-deceased sister Catherine Leichtnam; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. Joe was born and raised in Hackensack, NJ as the third of the seven children of Andrew and Florence Leichtnam. He was a standout football, basketball and track athlete at Hackensack High School where he met Paula. Joe earned a scholarship to Auburn University where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and played four years as a star offensive and defensive end on the Auburn National Championship football team. Joe was also the SEC record holder for the Auburn track and field team. He married Paula in his senior year and they honeymooned in Arizona after Joe was selected for and played in the 1960 All American game. He and Paula settled in Maywood and Joe spent 30 years with Western Electric and its successors, AT&T and Lucent, rising to Vice President in charge of network and system sales. He served his community in many ways including running Maywood Girl's softball league and coaching his daughters for over 12 years, serving on the Maywood Zoning Board, as President of the Socialites Club at St. Francis Church (Hackensack), and a long-time member and officer of the Bergenfield Rod & Gun Club. Joe had many circles of friends, was active among all of them, and was always ready to help or support anyone with quiet grace. He was a humble, calm force in everyone's lives. He was a loved son and grandson; a constant, adoring and patient husband; a loving brother; a devoted father and father-in-law; a cherished grandfather; an amazing uncle and irreplaceable friend to everyone in his life. His love and friendship seemed infinite and the memories he left all those who he touched will be too. Visitation will be at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, Friday, December 22, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM, a funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 9:45AM. Internment will follow immediately following the mass at Hackensack Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 in Joe's memory. To send condolences, directions, or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com