Leonard M. Altier

Leonard Michael Altier, 82, of New Philadelphia passed away March 8, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving and adoring family.

Born October 4, 1925 in Dover, Ohio, Leonard was the eldest child of the late Dominic and Jennie (Franzo) Altier.

Leonard graduated from Dover High School in 1944, the same year he was drafted into the United States Navy. He spent 8 months serving his country in China, during which time he earned the American Area Service Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon. Leonard came home in 1946 and attended Beckwith Business School. He was employed as a comptroller by Breehl's Tin Shop, Motor Freight and the Pepsi Cola Bottling of New Philadelphia from where he retired in 1988.

Leonard thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends because they were the center of his life. He especially loved playing with his grandchildren, Elyse and Ian and enjoyed watching them participate in their many activities. Leonard was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served on the church council and was an usher for many years. He was also a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He helped with the remolding of the old St. Joseph's School gym into class rooms and spent many summers helping at the church festivals. As active members of the Italian American Club, Leonard and his wife, Ida, were the 2001 Host and Hostess of the annual Italian American Festival. He was a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks and served on his Dover High School reunion committee. Leonard would get together with some high school classmates, the 'Sunshine' Boys for breakfast twice a month. He also met with the Pepsi retirees and the St. Joe Seniors group. He enjoyed traveling and one highlight was a trip to California in 1991 to visit the San Diego Naval Base where he was stationed. Another memorable trip was when Leonard, Ida, and daughter Marilyn traveled to Italy where he visited the home town of his parents and also met with relatives. Leonard enjoyed his bowling team and poker club, golfing, and gardening.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, the former Ida Maugeri whom he married on January 20, 1951. Also surviving are his much-loved children Marilyn (Richard) Avon, Denise (Francis) Picchetti, granddaughter Elyse and grandson Ian all of New Philadelphia, Cindy (Dave) Smith of Loveland, Ohio, step-grandchildren Jeff (Ruth) Smith of Mason, Ohio and Joey (Josh) Banks of Monroe, Ohio and step-great-grandchildren, Tyler and Taryn Smith, Gage and Lillian Banks. Leonard is also survived by his cherished family including brothers Fred (Jo Anne) of New Philadelphia and Gene of Massillon, and his sister Mary Jane (Leonard) Margletta of Dover and sister- in-laws Rosie Kosierowski, Ann Kline both of Canton, and Joan Beitner of Dover and brother-in-law Joe (Je) Maugeri of Sun Prairie, WI. Leonard was a beloved uncle, great uncle and great-great uncle.

A funeral mass celebrating Leonard's life will be held Thursday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dover, with Fr. William Arnold officiating. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Dover will follow services, at which time the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Christian Wake services will begin at 7:45 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Leonard by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be made in Leonard's name to either: St. Joseph Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover.

A true gentleman, forever with a smile, he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com