Leonard Anthony Altier

Leonard Anthony Altier, age 82, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, December 21, 2011, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born at Weirton, West Virginia, April 30, 1929, he was a son of the late Anthony and Bridget Dondrea Altier. His family moved to New Philadelphia while Leonard was still an infant. A 1947 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Leonard went on to work at the former Belmont Stamp and Enameling Co. before embarking on a thirty-one year career with I.F. Manufacturing. For five years before retiring, Leonard worked with the former Endres Floral Company in the greenhouse. A fifty-eight year member of Sharon Moravian Church at Tuscarawas, Leonard served as head usher for many years, several terms on the church board of trustees and decades ago served as the church cemetery sexton, where he opened graves by hand. When not busy at work or serving at church, Leonard spent time caring for his lawn and garden. Monday evenings were set aside for bowling, a pastime he enjoyed until only recently as his health prohibited it. On Aril 29, 1951, Leonard married the former Ila Johnson who survives. They observed their sixtieth wedding anniversary earlier this year. Survivors also include two daughters; Jill (husband, Bill) Westbrook of New Philadelphia, and Jodi (husband, Blair) Hillyer of Dennison. He’ll be sadly missed by his four grandchildren, Matthew Westbrook of New Philadelphia and Mark Westbrook of Cincinnati, Kristin (husband, Casey) Pittis and Michael Russell, both of Dennison. A seven week old great-grandchild, Bridget Pittis completes the family. A sister, Carmella Giannamore of Aurora, O; a brother, Louis Altier of Strasburg; a brother-in-law John Rennicker of Tampa, Florida, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, Leonard is preceded in death by his sister Jean Rennicker. Friends are invited to call Monday, December 26, from 4-7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Reverend Dennis G. Rohn will lead the Altier Funeral Tuesday morning at 11 in Sharon Moravian Church where the family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with a luncheon reception in the church fellowship hall following the committal service. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Moravian Church PO Box 385 Tuscarawas OH 44682, or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover OH 44622.