Bryan James Leithiser, 78

July 09, 2024

Bryan James Leithiser, 78, of Lititz, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2024. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Raymond and Mildred (Whiskeyman) Leithiser. He was married 22 years to Caroline (McGraw) Leithiser.

Bryan graduated from Mount Penn High School. He received his B.A. from the University of Toledo, Ohio in 1970 and his Master’s in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979. He spent the majority of his career at the Reading Public Library as an information specialist, retiring as the library’s assistant director.

Bryan was diagnosed with cancer at age 46 and spent the rest of his life courageously fighting it with diet (he became a vegetarian), medicine, prayer, and strong support from family and friends. He entered several drug trials and was active in cancer support groups in Berks and Lancaster Counties and Relay for Life.

He was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster, serving for many years on their Mission and Outreach Team.

Bryan enjoyed movies (old and new) and reading. He helped to establish a book club in the Highlands of Warwick neighborhood.

One of the most pleasurable parts of his retirement was joining “the guys” at the clubhouse for morning coffee and discussion. These men became treasured friends and companions on his life journey.

Bryan had an interest in genealogy and researched the histories of both the Leithiser and Whiskeyman families and had printed copies placed in the Berks and Lancaster County Historical Societies.

Although of German ancestry, Bryan had a love of all things Irish. He and Caroline had a Celtic themed wedding, had wedding bands crafted in Ireland and made a dream trip to Ireland in 2002.

In addition to his wife Caroline, he is survived by a daughter, Jessica Arnold (Rob), and a step-daughter, Mary Elizabeth DiMartino (Thomas); 4 grandchildren: Abbey and Joey Arnold and Mender and Xavier DiMartino; brother Craig Leithiser (San Rafael, California) and numerous Whiskeyman cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Andrea Leithiser, and his step-son, Jeremiah Budzik.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601. Visitation with family at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org, or Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.