Leonard Gregory Gitchell, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Stuarts Draft on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.
He was born on March 31, 1947 in Niles, Michigan.
Leonard earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Notre Dame University.
He retired from Alcoa where he was employed as a Financial Controller.
Leonard served in the U.S. Army from September 26, 1967 to September 25, 1973 and earned the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal Veteran of Vietnam.
He was a member of the American Legion, The Elks Club, The Moose Lodge, and Lake Anna Islanders Club.
Leonard loved riding his motorcycle, socializing with friends; he enjoyed camping and boating, and just living life to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard F. Gitchell and Mary Violet Butt, step-father Phil Butt; and his brother-in-law John A Closson.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years; Sue Anne Godden-Gitchell (married June 12, 1971); his children Leonard Gregory Gitchell, II and his wife Melissa Lynn Morris-Gitchell, Jennifer Anne Gitchell and her husband Justin Allen Rusmisel; grandchildren Jarrett Francis, Arielle Gitchell, Sierra Gitchell, Gregory Camden, Jackson Rusmisel, and Taden Rusmisel; great-grandchildren Jace Francis, Brantley Sprouse, and Serenity Francis; sisters Mary Closson, Deanna Ditto, Laura Machin; brothers Dennis Chamberlain, Duane Chamberlain, Ted Chamberlain; brother-in-law Mathew Godden; and sister-in-law Lois Mullet.
Leonard’s favorite quote was “Ride with wind in your hair and a beer in hand”.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 6 to 8pm at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Dr. Fishersville, VA 22939. A private interment will be at Culpeper National Cemetery, Culpeper, VA.
Memorial contribution can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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