Jeffrey "Duke" Lebzelter

Jeffrey D. Lebzelter
CONNEAUT - Jeffrey D. (Duke) Lebzelter, of Conneaut, best known for his Facebook pages highlighting Conneaut history and long-ago businesses, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at home.
Jeffrey D. "Duke" Lebzelter, 65, best known for his love of Conneaut history, died
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
Duke was the son of Robert and Lois Lebzelter and spent most of his life in North Conneaut.
He was a significant help to his parents as they grew older. After their deaths, he became a regular at Conneaut Public Library, poring over microfilm, looking for interesting and unusual facts about Conneaut's past and liberally posting them.
He created Facebook pages "People into Conneaut History" and later, "People into Conneaut History - Where Old Businesses Used To Be."
Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford said, "This is sorrowful news. Duke was an advocate for the preservation of our yesterdays in this beautiful corner of Ohio and his posts - solely by his work and his passion - brought us there daily."
Conneaut Public Library Executive Director Kathy Zappitello said, "He loved the microfilm reader and sharing what treasurers he found at the library to his followers online. He was one of a kind."
Follower Diane Carlucci said, "Jeff's Facebook page gave people far and wide great memories."
Andrea Nyman called Duke "a shining star in what he gave to his community in his passion for its history."
Duke enjoyed playing golf, especially while visiting his parents in Florida during winter.
He collected coins and rooted for the Denver Broncos.
Duke is survived by three brothers, Robert (Louise) Lebzelter of Conneaut, James (Eva) Lebzelter of Jefferson, and Gary (Doris) Lebzelter of Painesville, nephews and nieces Derek (Jessica) Lebzelter of North Kingsville, Timothy (Lawra) Lebzelter of Ashtabula, Robert Martin of Jefferson, Megan and Rachel Lebzelter, both of Conneaut; and Lauren (Brad) Pettijohn of Woodbury, Minnesota.
Great nephews Henry, Marcus and Benjamin Lebzelter of North Kingsville also survive.
He is also survived by seven cousins, Timothy Kraus, Karen Burdick and Janet Raines, all of Conneaut; Bonnie Sabados of Conway, South Carolina, Kathy DeRita of Kent, Susan Dunn of Sugar Grove, South Carolina, and
Will Lebzelter of Nederland, Colorado,
He is also survived by his unofficial aunt, Fran Holden, a good friend of his mother since high school, who has remained close to the family.
Duke was a 1979 Conneaut High School graduate. He earned an associate of applied business in business management technology at Kent State - Ashtabula.
He worked at Deck Vending and AVI Food Systems, before retiring in 2022.
Duke was treasurer at the former Lakeview United Methodist Church at one time.
When it was absorbed into New Leaf Event Center, he eventually became a camera operator, recording church services.
A celebration of Duke's life will be held at New Leaf Sunday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 4 p.m., with a service at 4:15.
Donations in Duke's memory may be made to New Leaf, Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, because of his love of dogs; and Conneaut Area Historical Society. Envelopes will be available at the celebration of life.
Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut is assisting the family with arrangements. Online guestbook available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com
Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com