Obituary of Raymond A. Leatzaw

Raymond A. Leatzaw, Sr., passed away peacefully at 91 years old, on Thursday, October 28th,2021, in Ithaca, New York. Ray loved courting his devoted wife, Helen, even after they were married. He considered her to be the most beautiful woman in the world, both inside and out. They were just shy of 70 years together. Being a nature lover, Ray loved going for drives in the country, hiking, camping, canoeing and sledding in any beautiful park they could find. As a lover of music and a very talented musician, he put his heart into everything he did;whether it was leading his band, playing his beautiful trumpet, or conducting the orchestra and chorus at our religious assemblies. He truly enjoyed living in the town of Watkins Glen and loved the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His love for people motivated him to share the same Bible-based literature that helped him find reliable answers to the important questions that life brings to all of us. He often did this while sitting on the bench at Lafayette Park next to one of his dear friends, engaging with anyone who stopped by. He loved to laugh. Even more so, he loved to make others laugh. He always had a new joke to share. He always did his best to help you feel like things would be okay, even if they weren’t right then. Ray’s family meant so much to him. He wanted the best future for every one of them. A scripture that was dear to his heart was 3 John verse 4, which reads: “No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.” What he loved most, though, was his Creator. He became a minister when he was 25 years old, and continued to be for the rest of his life. He had a whole-hearted conviction in the fulfillment of God’s promises for the future of humankind, and he was devoted to helping anyone he could to find the joy and comfort of these truths as well. In a nutshell, Raymond A. Leatzaw, Sr. loved his God, loved his wife, and loved life, to the very end. Raymond was born in Newark, New Jersey to John H. and Geraldine Leatzaw. He is survived by: his beloved wife, Helen A. Leatzaw; his sons: R. Allyn Leatzaw, Jr. and his wife Lou Ann; Paul Leatzaw and his wife Ivonne; and Ray’s daughters: Christina Cecil and her husband W. Thomas; Jeannette Minchella and her husband Aldo. His grandchildren: Joel Cecil and his wife Sophia, Hannah Sofia and her husband Anthony; Ryan Leatzaw and his wife Kiana; Jeremy Minchella; Abigail Louissaint and her husband Alain; Austin Leatzaw; Sarah Cecil; Bennett Minchella and his wife Josy; Joshua Leatzaw; Andre Minchella and his wife Murielle; and Myles Leatzaw. His great grandchildren: Noah, Mazzaroth, and Stella. Our family would like to express their deep appreciation to the many dear friends and professionals who showed so much care and made his last years better and longer. The entire family thanks you with all our hearts! In lieu of flowers, please make donations to JW.org and while you're on the website, take a look around. Surely, you will find something good to take with you, just as Ray did!