Glenn C. Leach

Glenn C. Leach

AGE: 85 • Manasquan

Glenn C. Leach, 85, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2012, after a long illness. Born November 21, 1927 in Paterson, NJ, to Isabelle and William Leach, he was educated at Paterson State College and received both his master's degree and doctorate from New York University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Merchant Marines. In 1950 he married Vita Lancia, also of Paterson, and they raised three daughters. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; his family meant the world to him. Often referred to as "Coach", he was a lifelong educator, serving as a teacher in Paterson, Caldwell, Fair Lawn, Manasquan and Englewood public schools. He continued his career in higher education at Rider College, where he was varsity basketball and soccer coach, and then at Wagner College as the chair of the Education Department and Professor Emeritus. Dr. Leach's career included honors and awards for his involvement in professional organizations, articles on health education issues, and programs for youth and teachers. His life revolved around community service, and he volunteered for many organizations in Staten Island, Ridgewood and Manasquan. He was a member of the Manasquan United Methodist Church, and was elected in 1986 to the Manasquan Borough Council, where he served until 1992. He and Vita enjoyed their retirement years and spent time traveling, with family, and cheering on his beloved Mets. Their passion for horse racing often found them at Monmouth Racetrack and attending the Kentucky Derby and other races around the country. He is best known for his quick wit, gentle nature and loving kindness to all his colleagues, friends and family members.

He is survived by his wife, Vita; his daughters, Barbara Spina, Gail (Robert) Ansheles, and Jean (Neal) Lohmann; eight grandchildren: Alison, Brian, Doug, Rebecca, Jack, Eden, Isabella and Hayley; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Neary-Quinn Funeral Home, 39 South St., Manasquan on Tuesday, December 18, from 9:30 to 10:30a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11:00am at the Manasquan United Methodist Church, followed by a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Manasquan First Aid Squad. We wish to thank all the doctors, nurses and personal caregivers who helped to make him comfortable and treated him with such dignity. We treasure all the time we had with him and keep him always in our hearts. "That we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." - Helen Keller.

For more information or to post a tribute, please visit www.neary-quinnfuneralhome.com