Leonard W. Garrett

Leonard Garrett completed his earthly journey on Thursday, June 6, 2024, passing peacefully during the early morning hours. While Leonard is joining our heavenly father, angels and other loved ones who have passed, his 94-year journey as the patriarch includes a legacy of his loving wife, Dorothy (Delozier), four children, Karen; Mark & wife Tammy; Beth & husband Robert; and Kathy & husband Stephen, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, all of whom have learned by Leonard’s “Pap’s” example as a father, husband, friend, and Christian and so many other roles of life he so lovingly embraced. Born August 31, 1929 in Munster, PA, to William and Hilda (Weiland) Garrett, Leonard’s life was full of family, faith and hard work growing up in a family that invested their heart and soul into the family farm to provide for Leonard and his siblings, Bill, Dorothy, Yvonne and Glenn (Carson). Leonard’s formative years with his family and friends shaped the man he became as he graduated from Cresson High School and later enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1951. Leonard embraced a duty to family and to his country serving in the USAF as a Military Police Officer with his service taking him to Colorado and Washington among other places during the Korean War Era. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and soon resumed his studies at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his English and Second Education Degrees as he fully transitioned back to civilian life. He soon met the love of his life, Dorothy Delozier from Lilly, PA, at a local dance, who he married on November 27, 1958 to begin their 65^_year journey as husband and wife, the patriarch and matriarch to 26 direct decedents. Leonard and Dorothy embodied the American dream raising an amazing family in their home communities, serving the Lord through dedication to the church and leaving a legacy in education with Leonard teaching more than 30 years at Penn Cambria High School. Many recognize “Mr. Garrett” for his guidance as their English teacher, but he served other roles as well throughout his remarkable career including as a coach in baseball and football where he taught others important life lessons. However, there was no role more important to him than his teachings and guidance as a father to his children, who embrace his same passion for life. Following his retirement, Leonard and Dorothy returned to the family farm where they’ve lived for the last 30+ years. While they enjoyed travels to his native homeland of Ireland and other trips abroad like Punta Cana, Leonard and Dorothy enjoyed trips in our wonderful country as well visiting many special places including Branson City, Missouri and made many visits with his extended family to the Outer Banks. Those are special trips that his entire family holds close to their hearts. Returning to the farm also renewed his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He often walked hand-in-hand with his love Dorothy enjoying the sunsets together with great appreciation for everyday they shared. The winter weather never dampened his spirit as he enjoyed cross country skiing across the farmland he worked during his childhood years. Len was also an avid reader, spending many hours with the right book on the sunporch. While he enjoyed his journey, he was inspired by his faith and comforted by the love of his wife and family and the peace in knowing that he was prepared to join the Lord’s heavenly kingdom. A journey for which he prepared throughout his impactful 94 years serving the Lord and his family. Indeed, Leonard has “finished the race….and kept the faith.” A private family visitation is planned for Monday, June 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Anderson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cresson. A service for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., Cresson Presbyterian Church, Cresson, Rev. Alice Tondora officiant. In lieu of flowers, the Garrett family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to the Cresson Presbyterian Church. Military honors will be provided by the Cresson American Legion, Sankertown VFW and other local military organizations. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 233 Keystone Ave., Cresson. Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.