Richard T. Leiterman
Richard Thomas Leiterman
1946-2017
Richard passed away June 27, 2017. Born August 17, 1946, in Lynwood, California, to Frank and Ethel Leiterman, he graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Los Angeles, and entered the Air Force. Stationed in Thailand, he made multiple trips to Vietnam where he assisted in electrical and stage preparations for Bob Hope’s overseas USO tours. Later, he worked with NASA during the Space Shuttle years as a photo/videographer.
On February 14, 1976, Richard married Darlene Werkus. He continued his military service, serving three consecutive tours in Vietnam before retiring from active duty in 1987. Richard and Darlene enjoyed travelling, and they came to live in San Bernadino, California, as a happy family with their beloved dogs. Richard continued his passion for serving his country and community as a teacher and photographer for the Air Force, and as a volunteer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene, in 2012. He is survived by his elder siblings, Josephine Toomey and Carl Leiterman, and his younger sister, Marie Endecott, as well as a great many nieces and nephews, all of whom he cared for very deeply and who will miss his warm smile and sense of humor.
He moved to Boise, Idaho, in 2012 to be closer to his sisters and their families. He spent a great deal of time with the friends that he made in his sister Jo’s retirement community, where he greeted everyone with a hearty “Good morning!” no matter the hour of the day. When it came time for him to leave us, Richard passed peacefully under the loving care of the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise. Richard will be greatly missed by everyone who encountered his happy demeanor and genuine kindness.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boise, on Monday, July 3 at 11am, with a reception to follow. All are welcome. Inurnment at the VA cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life, will occur at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the USO or any Veteran’s organization in Richard’s name.