Russell P. "Russ" Leap

Leap, Russell P., “Russ”, 85, of Lilly (Dutchtown), entered eternal life on June 17, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 22, 1934. He was the son of Thomas and Agnes (Myers) Leap. Russell is survived by his beloved wife, of 62 years, Gertrude (Harkabus). Russ and Gertrude began their life together with a Thanksgiving Day wedding, November 22, 1956. He will be dearly missed by his children: Thomas (Carol), Elaine, and Kenneth (Wendy), grandson Russell (Patty) and great-grandson David. Russ will be missed by his sister, Ada (Slebodnick); brother Albert, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin and Homer, who died with their father in the Sonman Mine Explosion, July 15, 1940, his brother Robert and sisters Dorothy and Alberta. Russ was an Army Veteran, avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, but he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a master woodworker who shared his talent with family and friends. He retired as a Supervisor of Industry in 1996 from F.L. Smithe Machine Company. “This is not good-bye, but so long until we meet again.” The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Windber Hospice. Family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Catholic Chapel, Portage Street, Lilly, Fr. Kevin Queally, T.O.R., Celebrant. Committal will be in St. Brigids Cemetery in Lilly. Military rites by Lilly Veterans Organizations. “Thank You” to all our family, friends, Father Kevin, and wonderful neighbors who assisted through this difficult journey. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Carmelite Monastery P.O. Box 57 (2101 Manor Drive) Loretto, PA 15940 or Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963.
Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com. 

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