John W. Leppo

February 19, 1921 – April 17, 2008

John William Leppo, 87, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, April 17, 2008. He was the husband of Mary (Myers) Leppo, who died March 26, 1999. The couple was married 54 years. Born February 19, 1921, in Hanover, he was a son of the late Paul S. and Anna (Musselman) Leppo. Mr. Leppo was a lifelong resident of Hanover. He attended Eichelberger High School and was a member of the soccer team. He left school to join the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and spent a year in Prescott, Ariz.

Upon his return, John joined the 103rd Quartermaster Guard Unit in York. He was sworn into the United States Army Air Force on July 29, 1942. John reported to Bainbridge Army Flying School and preighted planes. Following basic training, he reported to Seymour Johnson Field in North Carolina for a year and on December 5, 1943, he boarded a Strathen Hager for a two-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. He went to Station 119 in Horham, England, 60 miles from London. For two years, his duty was to supply clothing, food, and jackets to the crew members of the B-17 bombers. The bombers of the 95th Bomb Group were recognized by the Letter "B" painted on the tails. During his two years in Europe, John's unit supplied 320 missions. After the war, their focus turned to humanitarian aid. For his service during World War II, John received the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater of Operations Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was a very proud veteran and participated in the March With Pride section of the Hanover Memorial Day Parade each year.

John was employed by Doubleday for over 35 years. He coached Hanover Youth Baseball and was a member of St. David's United Church of Christ for over 60 years. He was a former Sunday School Treasurer, Past President of the Christian Endeavor Society, and a former deacon of the church, as well as a past member of the Men's Chorus. John was a life member of the Hanover VFW, Post 2506, a member of the American Legion Post 14, Hanover, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He received an honorary diploma from Hanover High School with the class of 2002 and was an avid Hanover Nighthawk fan. John always enjoyed his breakfasts at the Carlisle Street McDonald's with the "Over The Hill Gang."

He was the loving daddy of Linda Leppo Sanders. His grandchildren, Curt Sanders and his wife, Mandy of Dallastown, and Cristy Sanders of Hanover, were his pride and joy. He is also survived by a brother, Paul S. Leppo, f New Oxford; a sister, Gladys R. Leppo of Hanover; and his nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Leppo. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2008, at St. David's U.C.C., 142 Hobart Road, Hanover, with the Rev. Scott A. Sager ofciating.

The family will greet friends between 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday at the Wetzel Funeral Home, 549 Carlisle St., Hanover. John will be laid to his earthly rest at St. David's Cemetery, Hanover, where full military honors will be provided by the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. For those desiring, contributions may be made in John's memory to the St. David's U.C.C. Building Fund, 142 Hobart Road, Hanover, PA 17331. To share memories of John and view a video tribute, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com

Evening Sun, The (Hanover, PA) - Saturday, April 19, 2008