LEISCH

JOEL PETER LEISCH APRIL 26, 1941 – JUNE 30, 2022

It is with sorrow that the family announces the passing of Joel Leisch, a resident of GreenSpring, Springfield, VA since 2021 and of Northern Virginia since he moved back to the area in 2017. He was born in Baltimore, MD while his parents, Jack Leisch and Bettye Leisch (nee Holtzman), were stationed in the Blue Ridge Mountains while Jack was a surveyor and designer on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive in the 1930's and early 1940's. The family later resided in Arlington, Alexandria, and Silver Spring until 1956 when they moved to Wilmette in the Chicago area.

Joel attended Purdue University in Civil Engineering attaining a BSCE. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, with combat commendation medals, he returned to work as a consultant in Toronto. He later attended Northwestern University where he attained his MSCE. Mr. Leisch has planned or designed almost 2,000 miles of roadways and 900 interchanges throughout the US and 6 foreign countries. His focus overseas has been in Israel, where he visited 62 times, helping develop their national transportation system. Joel has taught professional development courses throughout the US, Canada, and numerous foreign countries. He is recognized as the leading expert on interchange design in the US and several foreign countries.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, his memory is cherished by his three loving daughters Jody Darrow (Paul) of West Palm Beach, FL, Alyson Kalter of Vail, CO, and Jennifer Leisch of Denver, CO. His four grandchildren, Chase, Harley, Ross, and Ari adored their Grandfather and were fortunate to have many years with him.

His memory is also cherished by his brother and sister-in-law, Gregory and Nancy Leisch of Alexandria, and nephews Mike Leisch and Jamie Leisch, for time spent with them traveling, fishing, toy train collecting, and teaching them tennis, bike riding, and skiing.

Funeral services will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA followed by internment at the King David Memorial Gardens National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged in Joel's name to: Jack E. Leisch Memorial National Graduate Fellowship, c/o Jack E. Leisch Fellowship Committee, American Society of Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 2 to Jul. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Leisch

9 Entries

Ruth Lev-Ran Kleiner

August 2, 2022

This memory from nine years ago really tugs at the heart. Joel, our American friend, is with us in the picture, it was two days after we celebrated my late mother's 90th birthday in Modesto, California, at my sister's house, and from there we went to Bend, Oregon, to stay at his house for a few days. That whole visit was experiential and great. We walked, we spent, we drank, we were together. These two beloved people - Mom and Joel left us and passed away one after the other with a difference of 4 months. This void still hurts. I will always keep them in my heart.

Basil Psarianos

July 6, 2022

Our paths have crossed many times since 1992. Joel offered his reach knowledge and experience on Interchange Design to more than 35 engineers for a full week in Athens Greece.
May he Rest In Peace and divine joy.

Bob Paulsen

July 5, 2022

Joel hired me in the late '80s. He was a great boss and an even better friend. It was an honor to know him.

Ferdous Intaj

July 5, 2022

Inspirational life. May God bless him in eternal peace.

Joe Berenis

July 5, 2022

You taught me so much. RIP.

Ayisha Osmanu

July 4, 2022

From staff of the Ghana Institution of Engineering: We met Mr. Leisch when he first visited the Institution to conduct a training programme organised by Delin Consult. He was friendly and fun to talk to. Rest in perfect peace Joel.

Larry Byers

July 3, 2022

Joel was a valued friend of the tennis group at Heritage Hunt. He will be missed.

Dvir Lev-Ran

July 3, 2022

Very sad that he´s gone....
I have many childhood memories of him visiting our home in israel... lunches dinners and some fields/scenery trips across israel.
Rest In Peace dear Joel

Judy Levine Cohen

July 2, 2022

I´m so sad to hear of Joel´s death. I have fond memories of our childhood, watching Howdy Doody and baseball on their tv, playing badminton in their backyard, playing endless games of monopoly with Joel and Greg and their Baltimore cousins. Our families were very close in those days, and I am so sorry to close that chapter.

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