Charles Leese

Charles “Charlie” Leese, 94, of East Petersburg, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at United Zion Retirement Community. Born on July 3, 1931, in East Donegal Township, he was the son of the late Christian Leese and Gertrude (Sanderson) Leese.

Charlie was a graduate of Donegal High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, with assignments in Germany and France. During his military service, he began a pen pal friendship with Joan Wehmann of St. Louis, Missouri. After his discharge from the Army, Charlie drove to St. Louis in his brand-new Pontiac to meet Joan in person. The two were married in 1955 in St. Louis, and Joan later moved to Lancaster County, where together they built a loving life and family over the next 71 years.

Charlie worked for 40 years as a precision mill operator for HMW Industries, formerly Hamilton Watch. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Mount Joy and attended St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and most of all spending time with his family. Charlie took great pride in his vegetable garden and found joy in sharing its harvest with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Leese and Ralph Edward Leese.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan (Wehmann) Leese; his three sons, Brian (Rhonda) Leese, Bruce (Yodaicyl) Leese, and Brad (Barb) Leese; and his four grandchildren, Patrick Leese, Justin Leese, Jennifer Pope, and Ashley Leese. He is also survived by his siblings, Helen Groome, Betty Lesher, Rosie Yakstis, Jane Leese, Christian Leese, and Robert Leese.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of United Zion Firestone Skilled Care for the compassionate and excellent care provided to Charlie.

Funeral services will be held at Charles Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Visitation for immediate family will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with friends invited to attend from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John XXIII Religious Education Center at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 East Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.