Richard Allen Leitner

Richard dedicated his life to education. He started his teaching career at Randolph County Schools in Coalton, West Virginiaäa community that embraced the love, compassion and unwavering dedication he brought both inside and outside the classroom. When the middle and high schools consolidated, Richard joined Elkins Middle School, where he enthusiastically taught sixth-grade social studies for the majority of his career.

Even after retiring, Richard’s passion for teaching never faded. He continued educating as a long-term substitute at Elkins High School and several surrounding elementary schools.

Richard was immensely proud of his students. Their successes brought him genuine joy, and he remained invested in their lives long after they left his classroom. He frequently shared stories of former students who had gone on to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and countless other successful professionals. To Richard, their accomplishments were among his greatest rewards. The community that gave Richard his chance to teach grew to love him just as deeply as he loved it. He gave nothing less than 110 percent to his students, his colleagues, and the schools he served, leaving an enduring impact on generations of young people.

Outside the classroom, Richard was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who faithfully cheered on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Some of his favorite memories were attending games with his nephew Bee and sharing stories with his nieces and nephews about riding the bus into Pittsburgh as a boy for just twenty-five cents to watch his favorite teams play.

Richard also enjoyed spending time at The Meadows and Rivers Casino, where he could often be found playing his favorite keno machines. Family and friends always enjoyed receiving pictures celebrating one of his latest wins.

Richard was known for his caring heart and generous spirit. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to help someone who was sick, struggling or simply needed a friend. Many people were fortunate enough to receive his signature homemade chicken noodle soupäa simple act of kindness that became one of the many ways he showed his love for others.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Paulette Keppler (Mark); his nieces and nephews, Valarie Wasinski (Eric), Paul “Bee’ Leitner (Tiffany), Benjamin Keppler, Joshua Keppler (Ally), and Hannah Van Ord (Joel); his great-nieces and great-nephews, Devin Leitner (Jess), Hailey Leitner (Nyzjriona), Corey Wasinski, Katelyn Wasinski (AJ), and his great-great-niece and nephews Heath Keppler, Kyler Sharp, Reed Allen Keppler, Anthony Sharp and Baby VanOrd; along with countless friends, including Joan O., Donnie O., Barry D., Tammy L. and Cody T., among many others whose lives he touched.

As one former student and lifelong friend shared:

“He was a part of shaping our lives in ways we may never fully realize. He made a difference by genuinely caring for the young people who walked through his classroom door.”

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Gladys E. Leitner; his father, Paul L. Leitner Sr.; his brother, Paul L. “Sonny” Leitner Jr.; and his great-nephew, Paul A. Leitner. While Richard may no longer be with us, we find comfort in believing he is reunited with those he loved and is already playing a game of field hockey with little Paul.

Montour High School, class of 1975

Edinboro University, class of 1979

Elkins School District

A loving uncle, teacher, son, brother, mentor and friend whose influence will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 867 5th Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the Coraopolis Church of God on Wednesday at 1 p.m. followed by interment at Coraopolis Cemetery.