Van Handlin Leichliter

Van Handlin Leichliter, 82, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Irene F. Wizniak Leichliter.

Born in Boston, MA, on June 3, 1944, Van was the son of the late Van Handlin Leichliter and Helen Rogers Leichliter. His family eventually moved to Cleveland, OH, where he grew up. He graduated high school from Phillips Academy - Andover in 1962, earned his undergraduate degree in history from Yale University in 1966, and then earned his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School. Van worked as an Attorney for 40 years, and retired from E.I. DuPount De Nemours and Company. In his retirement, Van possessed a true passion for music and found great fulfillment as an active member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir for 10 years, sharing his voice and spirit with the congregation. He always said he was fulfilled spiritually by singing in the choir.

Of all his accomplishments, Van was most proud of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his wife, Irene; his children, Scott Leichliter, Sandie Martha, Jim Leichliter, Ashley Tinney, and Amy Leichliter; his stepchildren, Heather and Tara Ferrell; and his 12 cherished grandchildren, Riley and Braden Leichliter, Kegan and Kaili Martha, Avonleigh, Haven Paige, Brec, and Sawyer Leichliter, Kyle and Quinn LaFrance, and Rose and Edward Tinney. Whether he was surrounded by family or relaxing at his favorite beach in Stone Harbor, NJ, he was always happiest when he was with those he loved.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 9:00 am at the Westminster Presbyterian Church 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA 19382; followed by his Funeral Service at 10:00 am. Light lunch and refreshments will be served afterwards at the church. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Van’s memory to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir Fund. 

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com

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