Anthony S. “Tony” Leptuck, affectionately known by many as “Sketcher”, 97, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, October 03, 2017, at the Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his loving family.

His beloved wife is Betty R. (Kraynak) Leptuck. Together, Tony and Betty celebrated their 72^nd wedding anniversary on August 25^th.

Born on June 13, 1920, in Swoyersville, Anthony was the son of the late Peter Leptuck and Catherine (Antos) Baseski.

A United States Army veteran, Tony honorably served his country for 3 ½ years during World War II as a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne Division. Tony participated in the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, where he was captured by German forces. He was eventually transported to a German Prison Camp where he was held as a Prisoner of War for 11 months until the German surrender in May 1945.

For many years, Tony was employed as a machine operator for the former Native Textiles, Dallas, retiring from there. Prior to the Knox Mine Disaster in 1959, he was employed as a coal miner for various coal companies.

Tony was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of the former Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. 

A proud veteran, Tony was a life-member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville; a life-member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Keystone Chapter of Northeast Pennsylvania, serving on its Board of Directors; and was a former volunteer at the VA Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. Additionally, he was a member of the Swoyersville Senior Citizens.

Tony was a humble man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He excelled at woodworking and was known for his craftsmanship in making miniature coal cars, doll houses, bird houses, and other wooden crafts. He also enjoyed tending to his annual vegetable garden.

Family was the center of Tony’s life and he cherished every moment he had with his loved ones. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and pop.

The Leptuck Family wishes to extend their most sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at both the VA Medical Center and the Riverstreet Manor for the wonderful care they bestowed upon Tony during his time of need.

In addition to his parents, Peter Leptuck and Catherine Baseski, Tony was preceded in death by his brothers, Adam Leptuck, Peter Baseski, John Baseski, Joseph Baseski, and Walter Baseski; and his sisters, Mary Grasavage and Anna Kern.

In addition to his wife, Betty, Tony is survived by his three children, Mary Lee Yateshin and her husband, Al, Hanover Township; Joseph Leptuck and his wife, Mary Ann, Pittston; and James Leptuck and his wife, Cindy, Swoyersville; his five grandchildren, Melissa Yateshin; A.J. Yateshin; Tony Leptuck and his wife, Dorothy; Jennifer Leptuck; and Tiffany Meadows and her husband, Nick; his three great-grandchildren, Tony Leptuck Jr., Xander Meadows, and Remi Meadows; as well as generations of nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Saturday, October 07, 2017, at 9:30 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville. The Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, will serve as celebrant, and the Reverend Richard J. Cirba will serve as con-celebrant.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 06, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Leptuck Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to a veteran’s organization of the donor’s choice.