Cover photo for William "Bill" P. Leavens's Obituary
William "Bill" P. Leavens Profile Photo
1956 William 2019

William "Bill" P. Leavens

November 24, 1956 — July 30, 2019

William “Bill” P. Leavens, 62, of Lewisberry, passed away at home on July 30th, surrounded by his family. Son of the late William C. and Emma (Holsinger) Leavens, he was born on November 24, 1956, in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Bill grew up in Sharpsville, PA, excelling in his athletics and academics. He earned an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies in the graduating class of 1978. Bill then went on to Penn State University for his master’s in Public Administration.

Bill was a multi-faceted professional and passionate about helping others; Bill began his career with the General Accounting Office, which took him and his family to Germany between the years 1985-1989. Bill and his family later relocated back to his hometown of Sharon, PA, where he served as the director of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and ran for a seat in the United States Congress in the early 1990s. Once moving to Central PA, he served as the executive director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, director for the Special Olympics, parish manager at St. Margaret Mary’s, Harrisburg, and most recently a certified trainer for Dale Carnegie.

Within the past six years, Bill has bravely endured two bouts with cancer and a severe spinal cord injury. His resilience and determination during his recovery have been an inspiration to many.

Amidst all of his passions, his greatest source of pride was his family. Surviving is his wife of 37 years, Linda (Hartnett) Leavens; and his children, Theresa M. Leavens (husband, Michael Sakir) of Memphis, TN, William R. Leavens of San Diego, CA, Christopher M. Leavens (wife, Bridget) of Denver, CO, and Katherine E. Leavens of Portland, OR. Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents.

A viewing will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, August 2, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland; a wake service will begin at 8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, August 3, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg. A second viewing will be held prior to mass, from 9-10AM at the church. Immediately following mass, burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Mechanicsburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to one of the following organizations: Marianist Family Retreat Center, 417 Yale Ave., Cape May Point, NJ 08212; Special Olympics Pennsylvania (specialolympicspa.org), 2570 Boulevard of the Generals #124, Norristown, PA 19403; Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (engage.pennstatehealth.org). Regardless of the organization you choose, please remember to attribute an online donation to the memory of William P. Leavens, or simply include his name in the memo line of a check.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Viewing

Friday, August 2, 2019

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

1303 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Friday, August 2, 2019

Starts at 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

1303 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Public Viewing

Saturday, August 3, 2019

9:00 - 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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Mass

Saturday, August 3, 2019

10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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