Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Leonard Tananis Obituary
Leonard was born in Minersville, Jan. 23, 1925, a son of the late Mary Bernatonis and Anthony Tananis.
He was the husband of Josephine M. Mahal Tananis.
He was a member of St.Patrick Church, Pottsville.
He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1943 and served in combat during World War II in Italy in 1944 and 1945.
He was a graduate of Minersville High School, Penn State University, Jefferson Medical College and Penn Medicine Scheie Eye Institute.
He was on the staff of Geisinger Medical Center 1960-63. He was on the staff of Pottsville Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. He was in private practice (ophthalmology) in Pottsville from 1963 until his retirement in 1986. He also founded Pottsville Optical Co.
Later in his career, he was best known as being Muhammad Ali's eye doctor during his time while training at his camp in Deer Lake.
He was a dedicated physician who loved serving every one of his patients. But he was happiest spending time with the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Jo. They were married for 67 wonderful years.
He was at various times a member of the Schuylkill Country Club, the Pottsville Club, Pottsville Lions Club and American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony and Francis, and his sisters, Helen, Mary and Anna.
Dr. Tananis is survived by his wife, Josephine; a daughter, Noreen T., wife of Thomas Marzano, Clinton, N.J.; two sons, Dr. Richard J., husband of Linda Tananis, Rehobeth, Del., and Dr. L.J., husband of Robin Tananis, Highpoint, N.C.; his granddaughters, Marissa, wife of Adam Freitag, and Courtney Marzano.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Church, Pottsville, with Monsignor Edward O'Connor officiating. All are respectfully invited to attend a visitation with calling hours from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. Interment will be at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Minersville. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.
Sign the guest book at
republicanherald.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Tananis
3 Entries
January 16, 2019
Dear Noreen and family-
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your father.
Blessings to you and your family,
Cindy (Yutko) LaRow 75'
Sudbury, MA
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
January 16, 2019
To Family and Friends of Leonard,
My sincerest condolences go out to you at this time. We truly appreciate Leonard's service to his country and his community. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Representative Mike Tobash
Mrs. Judy (Mekunis) Saunders '75
January 16, 2019
Dear Noreen,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. May the Lord give you His Peace and Comfort during this sad time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Leonard Tananis's name
Memorial Events
for Leonard Tananis
Funeral services provided by:
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, Inc.104 South 4th Street, Minersville, PA 17954
How to support Leonard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Leonard Tananis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
