Donald L. Leidwinger

Donald L. Leidwinger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 89.

Don was born on May 13, 1937, to Alfred and Helen Leidwinger.

He grew up in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Ridgway high school. Following high school, Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, including a period of service aboard the USS Forrestal. On January 11, 1959, Don married Charlene Feronti. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage, built a life together, and raised their three children, Douglas, Kevin, and Lynnette.

To those who knew him best, Don was a devoted husband and father, and to his grandchildren, he was simply Papa. He loved Penn State football and enjoyed hunting and fishing, but some of his happiest moments were found in life’s simple pleasures. He loved “putzing” around the yard, always finding something that needed tending to or another project to work on. Don also had a special love for chocolate ice cream—one of those simple pleasures that will forever bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him best. In his later years, Don made his home in Tucson, Arizona. As he faced the difficult challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, he was surrounded by the love and support of his family and the compassionate care of those who looked after him.

Don is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children, Douglas (Lynne), Kevin (Luci), and Lynnette (Rob); his grandchildren, Christopher (Elizabeth), Jamie (Roshan), Kacie, Kage (Kim), Victoria and Dani(Dusty); his great-grandchildren, Hailey, Caleb, Joshua and Iris; and his siblings, Linda (John), Patricia, and Gary (Lisa). He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Helen Leidwinger, and his brother, Eugene.

A Memorial Service for Donald L. Leidwinger will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday at Krise Funeral Home from 10:30 AM until the time of service.

In the days ahead, Don’s family will celebrate his life in the way he would have appreciated most—by gathering together, sharing stories and memories, reminiscing about the good times, laughing, and being grateful for the many years they were fortunate to have him in their lives. Don will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

For those who knew and loved him, the name Papa, a Penn State football game, a project in the yard, or even a bowl of chocolate ice cream will always bring with it a special memory of Don.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a local organization providing Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com.