Leo Hawk

LIMA -- Leo J. Hawk, age 92, passed away on March 22, 2026, at The Springs in Lima.

Born on April 7, 1933, in Irwin, Pennsylvania, Leo was the son of the late Henry Hawk, Sr. and Gertrude (Dirling) Hawk. On September 14, 1957, he married the love of his life, Arlene F. (Froehlich) Hawk, who survives him. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Leo was a 1951 graduate of St. Rose Catholic High School in Lima. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1955. He went on to become co-founder, alongside his father and brothers, Henry Jr. and William, who preceded him in death, of American Trim, where he served as CEO, Chairman, and ultimately Chairman Emeritus. The business began as Lima Tool & Die in 1951, later became Superior Metal Products in 1962, and ultimately evolved into American Trim.

Throughout his career, Leo contributed to sales, drove innovation, and provided steady leadership. He brought an entrepreneurial spirit that helped shape the company's growth into a diversified operation including stamping, porcelain enameling, ink formulation, screen printing, and heavy tonnage press capabilities.

Leo was a proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame. His love for "Our Lady's University" and her sacred mission was evident throughout his life. Leo and Arlene were principal benefactors and founding members of the Center for Social Concerns and McGrath Institute for Church Life Advisory Councils. Leo remained a dedicated member of the Councils for more than 45 years, serving his alma mater with enduring commitment.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leo was deeply devoted to the Lima community, where his generosity and vision have helped shape its future. An avid supporter of the United Way of Greater Lima, he served as campaign chair (1969-70) and later as board president. Together with Arlene, he helped grow the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, reflecting their deep commitment to philanthropy.

In 1990, Leo and Arlene founded the Ar-Hale Family Foundation to involve future generations in meaningful community giving. Through the foundation, as well as personal initiatives, Leo played a transformative role in numerous projects across the community.

In the mid-1990s, recognizing the community's need for a new location for Lima Senior High School, Leo purchased and donated several parcels of land that now form part of the school's campus. In the early 2000s, he again responded to a community need by helping transform the entrance to Lima Stadium. Through the Ar-Hale Family Foundation, approximately 15 buildings were acquired and removed, and the land was donated to the city to create Lima Stadium Park. With remarkable foresight, the project also included land that is now home to the city's Aquatic Center. Leo personally designed the artwork in the park, honoring the five Lima high schools that, over nearly a century, played their home games at the stadium.

In a gesture that reflected Leo's generosity and commitment to young people, the Ar-Hale Family Foundation also provided the funding for a baseball field at Lima Central Catholic High School, ensuring that student-athletes would have a place to call home.

Leo was a strong advocate for school choice in Ohio. Through public advocacy, financial support of scholarship programs, and direct assistance to schools and individuals, his efforts helped provide thousands of underprivileged children with access to better educational opportunities.

Leo was also a founding charter member of the Serra Club of Lima, an organization dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Over six decades, he demonstrated faithful service, unwavering dedication, and an inspirational commitment to fostering Catholic vocations.

A generous philanthropist and a man of deep and abiding faith, Leo quietly supported causes that strengthened both community and family life. In recognition of his service, he received the Jefferson Award for Lima/Allen County and was inducted into the Lima Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame for Community Service. The Rotary Club of Lima named Leo a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his philanthropy.

Leo will be remembered for his unwavering positivity and his "can-do" spirit. He befriended, mentored, and advised countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact through his keen insight and a life lived in service to others. He adored his family and took great joy in their lives. A passionate fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Irish.

Leo often encouraged others with a simple but powerful principle: "Do What You Say You Will Do (DWYSYWD)." He even had desktop plaques bearing the initials created and shared them with friends. These tokens can still be found in homes and offices throughout Lima and beyond, serving as a lasting reminder of the standard by which he lived. His legacy of faith, generosity, and integrity will continue to guide all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Michelle (Stephen Zenobia) Heit of Louisville, KY; Bryan of Purcell, OK; Tim (Michele) of Dayton; and daughter-in-law Jan of Lima, wife of his late son Jeffrey.

He was a proud grandfather to Matthew (Katie) Hawk of Georgetown, TX; Mark (Veronica) Hawk of Plain City, OH; Meaghan (Craig) Stottman of Louisville, KY; Kaitlyn (Garrett) Scoone of Louisville, KY; Matthew (Samantha) Powell of Indianapolis, IN; and Daniel Powell of Dayton, OH. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Marie, Nolan, Rhylee, Genevieve, Freyja, Harper, Liam, and Maclaine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Rose Catholic Church, 523 N. West St., Lima, Ohio, with Father David Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio. A Parish Wake Service will follow the visitation at 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Health Foundation Greater Lima, St. Rose Catholic Church, The United Way of Greater Lima, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.