Leo J. Krichten

MCSHERRYSTOWN Leo J. Krichten, 85, entered into God's eternal care, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at the York Hospital. He was the husband of Sylvia R. (Wagaman) Krichten to whom he was married 62 years. Born October 10, 1923, in McSherrystown, he was the son of the late Earl P. and Emma (Weaver) Krichten. He was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church in McSherrystown where he was an Eucharistic Minister and active in many church committees. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans in which he held several State and National Offices over the years including PA State Commander as well as National Commander in 1992/93. He was the recipient of the St. Sebastian Medal Award, the CWV's highest honor and also honored as CWV Man of the Year in 2006. Leo was also a member of the McSherrystown Knights of Columbus, McSherrystown Home Association, New Oxford Social Club, Hanover Elks, and McSherrystown Fish and Game Association. He was the former owner/operator of Benn's Mens Wear in Westminster Md. Leo proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Infantryman during WWII with action in Naples, Rome and Central Europe. He was decorated with the European Theatre Service Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal, POW and Victory Medal. He was a member of the VFW, American Ex-POW, Military Order of Purple Heart, 45th Division Association, and Division of Thunderbirds. Leo also served on the Governors Board of Veteran Affairs. In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children, Judy L. Krichten of Hanover, David J. Krichten and his wife, Joan of Allentown, Richard C. and his wife, Mirela of Washington Crossing, Michael A. and wife, Susan of Westminster, Md., Jeanne Ferrara of Bellfonte, Kathleen A. Greenholt and husband, Russell of Hanover and Joseph L. Krichten and wife, Katherine of Richmond Hill, Ga.; two sisters, Theresa Gross and Mary Ann Kuhn, both of Hanover; 11 grandchildren, Katie, Gary, Annie, Sabrina, Nick, Jeff, Amanda, Kristie, Jessie, Ashley, and Josh; and one great-granddaughter, Allison. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth McKonley and Loretta (Dolly) Winand; and two brothers, Francis X. and Arthur R. Krichten. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Annunciation Catholic Church, McSherrystown, with the Rev. Lawrence W. Sherdel officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. Friends and relatives will be received Thursday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 501 Ridge Ave., McSherrystown. Serving as pallbearers will be his four sons, David, Richard, Michael and Joseph and Russell Greenholt and Paul Gurkoff. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Leo to American Diabetes Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110; or American Heart Association, Adams Co. Chapter, 417 A Phoenix Drive, Chambersburg PA 17201.