Leroy R. Whitaker, 71, of 253 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, died peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born on July 27, 1946, in Camden, NJ, a son of the late Leroy Whitaker Sr. and Joan Goodrow Michel.

On March 2, 1979 in St. Marys, he married Christine Kronenwetter Whitaker, who survives.

Leroy was a member of Sacred Heart Church and retired from Sylvania after more than 39 years of service.  He was a member of the Army Reserves, having served from 1965-1972.  He was a proud member of the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail. and was also a member of the PFL, American Legion, K of C, Elks Club, the Wilcox Legion, and the Wilcox Sportsmens.  
He was the active director of the Quaterback Club since 1969, and coached SMAHS football from 1976-1991, where he was also the head coach for 2 years.  He also coached boys and girls track for a number of years.  In 1974, he founded Midget Football, which started with 5 teams.  He was the first President of the Elk County Snowriders Snowmobile Club, and was on the Board of Directors and served as Past President of the Bavarian Hills Golf Course.
He enjoyed golfing and going to camp with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of more than 38 years, he is survived by two daughters Carrie Ann (Mark) Overturf of Kersey and Brandey (Matty) Browne of Delaware, by three sons, Scott (Tracey) Whitaker of Kersey, Shawn (Cindy) Whitaker of Ridgway and Tony (Jackie) Whitaker, by a step-daughter, Barbara (Pete) Pahygiannis of Olney, MD, and by two step-sons, Terry (Linda) Lecker of St. Marys and Dennis "Bucky" Lecker of St. Marys, as well as by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by three sisters, Carlene (John) Resch of St. Marys, Debbie (Michael) Schnell of California, and Patty (James) Swanson of Kersey, and by two brothers, David (Chris) Moffatt of Nebraska, and James (Michelle) Moffatt of Michigan, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Cheryl Bustamonte.

Due to renovations at Sacred Heart Church, a Mass of Christian Burial for Leroy R. Whitaker will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Marys Church with Rev. Michael Gabler, officiating.
Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail, c/o American Legion, Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com