Arden (Art) R. Leese, 70

October 02, 2023

Arden (Art) R. Leese of Lititz, PA (age 70) passed away on October 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Debra B. Leese with whom he shared 44 years of married bliss.

Born in York, PA, Art was predeceased by his parents Newell A. Leese and Charmaine D. Swope (nee Seager). Art moved with family to Lancaster in 1961 and graduated in 1970 from Conestoga Valley High School. Art worked on a farm in his youth, then at Schick from 1970 to 1978. He then worked at Grimmel from 1979 to 1987 followed by Hubbard Feeds from 1987 to his retirement in 2016.

Art and Debra met on a blind date in August 1978. It was love at first sight and they married the following May. Though they never had any children of their own, they shared a love for their ten nieces and nephews.

Art was an avid athlete and competed in many 5k runs. He was very passionate about bowling, LV Raiders Football, birding and NHRA Drag Racing.

In addition to his wife, Art is survived by his brothers, Newell and James Leese, and his sister, Beth Simmons. He also was loved by sisters-in-law, Chris Pittman, Donna Cullinan and Louise Snyder and brother-in-law, Art Brinkworth. His adoring nieces and nephews include Sarah Kropp and Sean, Scott, and Meghan Cullinan; Erin Snyder-Jones and Kevin Snyder; Tina Bruch and Dan Pittman; Lindsey and Andrew Brinkworth.

Art’s family offers thanks and tremendous gratitude to Willow Tree Hospice; to Barclay Friends staff; and to Heather Lankford and Roxanne Perrefort for their compassion and heartfelt care of Art.

Memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, Art requested donations to Barclay Friends – bf.kendal.org/about/giving – or The Hickman – thehickman.org/support-the-hickman/giving-to-the-hickman/.