Leonard John Reich

Leonard John Reich, 76, of North East, passed away on Saturday January 3, 2026 at his residence from a long fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on September 8, 1949 in Erie, PA to the late Leonard J. and Esther (Hartwig) Reich.

Leonard graduated from North East High School in 1968 and was employed at Welch Foods for 32 years until retirement. He also owned and operated a grape farm in North East for several decades.

He was an avid NY and PA state White Tail Deer Hunter as well as enjoying several North American big game hunting adventures. Leonard hunted elk, bear, and moose in Arizona, Colorado and Canada. Leonard also enjoyed fishing for trout in the steams of Erie County. Also, one of Leonard’s life long passion was planting and maintaining his own vegetable gardens. 

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; son, Leonard "Lenny" Reich, Jr.; and brother, Ray Reich.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joy (Reed) Reich whom he married July 8, 1972; son, Joseph Reich and (Wife Mandi); brother, William Reich (Wife Donna); daughter-in-law, Helen Reich; granddaughters, Kaylee Baldwin and Caroline Reich; nephews, Jeffery Reich and Ray Reich, Jr.; and niece Mary Margaret Reich.

Friends and family may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Wednesday January 7th from 2:00 p.m. until time of a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Officiating the service is Fr. Thomas Brooks. Private interment will be held at North East Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Community Nursing Services of North East, 7 Park Street, North East, PA 16428. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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