Dick Leitsch

1935 - 2018

Dick Leitsch

1935 - 2018

BORN

1935

DIED

2018

Dick Leitsch Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 23, 2018.
NEW YORK (AP) — A pioneering gay activist who led a 1966 "sip-in" at a New York City bar has died at the age of 83.

Dick Leitsch (LIGHTSH) died Friday at a hospice in Manhattan. His death from liver cancer was confirmed by his brother, John Leitsch, of Louisville, Kentucky.

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Leitsch was a leader of the Mattachine Society, an early gay rights group.

His "sip-in" protest was meant to echo lunch counter sit-ins. Leitsch and three friends sat down at a bar and announced, "We are homosexuals."

The bartender clapped his hand over Leitsch's glass and refused to serve them. The moment was captured by a Village Voice photographer.

The protest led the state liquor authority to end its practice of using patronage by gay people as an excuse to revoke liquor licenses.

We invite you to share condolences for Dick Leitsch in our Guest Book.

___

Written by the Associated Press


Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Dick Leitsch's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2018

M C posted to the memorial.

June 30, 2018

Robert Amsel posted to the memorial.

31 Entries

July 31, 2018

May I offer my condolences on your loss. It's times like these when our great God will comfort us and soften our pain. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 14

M C

July 31, 2018

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a loved one. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.

Robert Amsel

June 30, 2018

Dick was my first longtime relationship, and I'm glad that in his later years he finally received the recognition he deserved for his work in helping to end anti-LGBT discrimination in New York City, and through his television appearances on David Susskind's show, Dick Cavett's show, CBC, etc., he spread the word of equality nationwide.

CF

June 29, 2018

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Leitsch family and friends at this difficult time.

Jefferey Shiring

June 29, 2018

Thank you, Mr. Leitsch, for making my life better. I am in your debt. Sympathy to your friends and family.

June 28, 2018

So sorry for the family lost. My deepest condolence to the family. May the family find peace and comfort from God.

June 25, 2018

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.LOSING A LOVE ONE IN DEATH IS NEVER EASY. ONE DAY MANY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE AGAIN. MAY THE HOPE OF EVERLASTING LIFE SUSTAIN AND COMFORT YOU DURING THIS SAD AND DIFFICULT TIME. JOHN 17:3

Kim

June 25, 2018

My condolences for your loss. May you be comforted by fond memories and the love of family and friends. Jeremiah 29:11.

June 25, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

R D

June 25, 2018

Deepest condolences.

June 25, 2018

My condolences to the family and friends of Dick Leitsch. May the God who gives Comfort and Peace strengthen the family in these difficult days ahead.

Kathryn Irby

June 25, 2018

I am so sorry for the loss of Dick Leitsch. Rest in Peace.

Brian Gibson

June 25, 2018

Thank you Mr. Leitsch. Your bravery, vision, and heart has helped make life better for us and unborn generations. Bless you on your onward journey.

chrisian

June 25, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be our strength during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2

Randell Busby

June 24, 2018

You can find a comprehensive article about Dick's life at:

http://thewashingtonpost.pressreader.com/epaper/@Randell_Busby/csb_XqlnZKY0AdUmkdY-CSQ5gYMWw3-WmkatUdo8EJw-70I

June 24, 2018

Thank u for a life well lived to serve others with a pioneering spirit. The gay community will always be thankful for your bravery. I am so sorry your loss of this great man.

Lindsay Parks

June 24, 2018

Thank you, Mr. Leitsch, for your bravery and for
everything you did to pave the way for future generations. You'll be deeply missed.

Sally

June 24, 2018

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

June 24, 2018

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Nancy Woodwell Freedman

June 24, 2018

A true American icon & hero. Prayers & condolences to his family & friends. May he rest in eternal peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.

Karen Wilson

June 24, 2018

Thank you sir for having the courage to stand against hate..I hope you were able to live your life as you so chose..RIP

Richard E. Spencer

June 24, 2018

I never knew you, but owe you a tremendous debt for your bravery in the face of tremendous adversity. You led the way for men who live in love to organize, come out of the shadows, and live their lives truthfully. You are my hero and your legacy is something I relish and honor. With love, - Richard.

G. T.

June 24, 2018

My deepest condolences to the Leitsch family at this very sad time.
Psalms 116:15

June 24, 2018

Condolences to the Dick Leitsch family. I am so sorry about the passing of your loved one. Pray constantly to our Grand Creator.

June 24, 2018

Younger generations of gay people owe thanks to people like Mr. Leitsch for showing the bravery that made it easier for us to live openly as ourselves. Thank you, Dick Leitsch, and rest in peace.

Kathleen

June 23, 2018

God bless my gay friend Richard Leitsch ❤You will be missed.

Purcell

June 23, 2018

You have my deepest sympathy. May God give you peace and strength to keep you going during your time of sorrow.
Rom. 15;33

June 23, 2018

Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Dick Leitsch's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. John6:40

Paul Goodman

June 23, 2018

We of the gay community owe you and so many other honest and brave men and women who spoke out when it wasn't "easy" - when all the societal chips were stacked against us. You blazed the travel that we too often take for granted. May God bless your soul and smile upon you (as I am sure God will!)

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Sign Dick Leitsch's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2018

M C posted to the memorial.

June 30, 2018

Robert Amsel posted to the memorial.