Howard Joseph Leichtnam

Howard Joseph Leichtnam passed into eternal life on August 27, 2017 at the age of 90 after a brief illness and a long battle with dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. He was preceded by his wife of 52 years, Joan Dolores (Chamberlain), and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Robert Montgomery and Claire and Robert McClure.

Howard was born in Rahway, New Jersey to Jacob and Ella (O’Donnell) Leichtnam and graduated from Rahway High School just before the end of World War II. He immediately joined the US Navy and served as a radioman aboard the heavy cruiser USS ST. PAUL during the Battle of Okinawa. Upon returning home, he worked at the Quinn & Boden Books’ factory, an experience that convinced him to attend college.

Howard remained in the US Navy Reserve and served his country again during the Korean War. After that War, he began his career with Chevron. In 1964, he received his BS in Accounting from Seton Hall University.

Howard and Joan married in 1957 and moved to Fanwood, New Jersey, where they resided for the next 19 years. They were active members of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church and volunteered with the Girl Scouts of America.

Along the way, Howard worked temporary assignments for Chevron in San Francisco, Boston, Germany and the Bahamas, before he was permanently transferred to California in 1977. Although a NY Dodgers and Mets fan in New Jersey, Howard soon became an avid SF Giants fan long before AT&T Park and championship seasons.

Howard and Joan lived in Lafayette until 1989, when Howard retired after a long and rewarding career with Chevron and they moved to Napa, ironically, to get away from the earthquakes in Lafayette. In retirement, Howard drove for Meals on Wheels, played golf and was actively involved in SIRS.

Howard is survived by his grateful daughter, Judith Ann Leichtnam, and son-in-law, Rex Martin Clack, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Washington and California.

Howard will be buried alongside Joan at Tulocay Cemetery on September 9, 2017. Viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service in the Chapel at 10:00 AM.

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