Gordon F. Leitner

Mystic - Gordon F. Leitner, 89, entered God's kingdom on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011.

Gordon was a U.S. Army veteran and served in World War II. Graduating from the University of Illinois in mechanical engineering, Gordon held executive positions in several companies, most notably as vice president of Water Services of America. In 1973 he established the consulting firm, Leitner & Associates, Inc. A recognized international authority on water desalination, he held both U.S. and foreign patents, most significantly one for software used for calculating water desalination plant operation costs. He presented or published more than 75 technical papers, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Desalination Association for his lifetime contributions.

Gordon was a remarkable man who was deeply committed to his family, church, and community, serving throughout his adult life in positions such as PTA president, and chair of the Board of Education for Elmbrook schools in Wisconsin. He taught Sunday school and Bible study, served as a deacon and in numerous church leadership positions. He was an exemplary role model for his three children, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Married for 65 years, Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Jessie; daughters, Wendy, Penelope and Faith; sons-in-law, Peter Lisi and Tim Murney; and granddaughters, Grace and Hope Leitner Murney and Isabelle Leitner Lisi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ellen Leitner; his brother, Robert; and his sister, Shirley.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, at the Road Church, 903 Pequot Trail, Stonington (http://1stcongregationalstonington.org/), with a reception immediately following at the Stonington Country Club, 396 Taugwonk Road. Cemetery services will be private and there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gordon's name to the Road Church, Stonington, CT 06378.

Funeral arrangements are coordinated through Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online expression of sympathy.