Don Leshnock

LESHNOCK Don Leshnock, 65, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on May 5, 2012 comforted by his family in his home in Raleigh, NC. Don leaves a legacy of courage, perserverance and internal strength. He was born to the late Betty and William Leshnock on November 25, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio. He is a graduate of Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University. Upon graduation, Don was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as a starting pitcher and had a successful career in baseball for many years. In 1985, Don was inducted into Youngstown State's Athletic Hall of Fame for his record-breaking baseball career at the university. Don's enthusiasm for baseball was shared with his son as his first coach and most ardent fan. Don also played in the Roy Hobbs Baseball Association as an Akron Silverhawk. Don and his teammates won the Roy Hobbs World Series in Tampa, Florida in 2004 and 2010. Both years Don was also named MVP. Don's business career was in insurance as a regional manager for Equitable Life and retired from Nationwide Insurance Company. Loving husband of Cheryl for 44 years; proud father of Donnie (Miriam); devoted "Papa" to his beloved granddaughters, Olivia, Samantha and Rebekah; and "Uncle Don" to his very special grandniece and grandnephew, Mia and Mathew Hoffman. Don is survived by his brother, William (Darlene); brother-in-law, Peter Kopko; sister-in-law, Jacci Asbury (Damon); nieces, Lauren Hoffman (Kevin), Rachel Bagenstose (Michael); nephews, Bill Leshnock (Jenny), Brad Leshnock (Molly) and Ben Lewis (Eliza) and their children. Family and friends will dearly miss and always remember a very brave, intelligent, gentle and kind man who loved them with all his heart. A celebration of Don's life will be in Columbus, Ohio in June.