Obituary of Norman Paul Leibel

Norman Paul Leibel, age 92, of Millbrook, Greentown, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 12, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann (Abrachinsky) Leibel. Born January 12, 1932, in Pottsville, PA, Norman was the son of the late Frederick and Louise (Kopp) Leibel. He was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1949, and later took various courses through Penn State University. Norman had several jobs throughout his life. After working at Sears from 1948 through 1953, he was drafted into the Army and served two years where he was assigned to battalion supply at Fort Bragg during the Korean War. After mustering out of the Army, he returned to work at Sears for a few years. In 1957 he began working at the Anthracite Research Center, where he remained until 1966, when he started working at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. He began as a GS-9 and worked up to a GS-12 before leaving in 1980. From 1981 until his retirement in 2000, he worked at AAI and similar corporations. His inspiration was his father who had only a 6th grade education yet had acquired several skills, such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry and general maintenance, skills that he then taught to his three sons. Norman was a caring man who was dedicated to his family, friends, and community. He enjoyed sharing all the lake region had to offer with them. He was adventurous and loved to travel and experience new things. He had a strong work ethic and kept himself busy fixing or improving things and helping others do the same. His ingenuity in problem solving continuously impressed everyone. He was also known for his sense of humor and ability to be outspoken. He left a lasting impression on all those who knew him and will be remembered fondly. Norman was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Frederick Leibel, in 2003, and two brothers, Herman and Carl Leibel. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter: Kimberly Vogt and her husband Kristopher of Paupack; his beloved granddaughter: Caitlin Vogt; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the friends, neighbors, relatives, and caregivers that supported Norman throughout his final years. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 18, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA. There will be a funeral mass on Thursday, December 19, at 10:00 AM at BVM Queen Of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 314 Chestnut Ave, Hawley, celebrated by Rev. Richard W. Beck, Pastor. There will be an additional visitation held on Friday, December 20, from 11 AM to 12 Noon at Grabowski Funeral Home, 75 Memorial Drive, Schuylkill Haven, followed by interment in Schuylkill Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org.