Leonard Oetzel

Leonard Michael Oetzel was called home to be with his loving wife Diane Oetzel on Monday August 25, 2025 at the age of 75. He was born in Philadelphia on December 27, 1949 to the late Leonard and Mildred Oetzel. He bravely served our country in the Vietnam war and was a hero to all those who knew him. Lenny and Diane knew each other as kids but they fell madly in love when he returned from war in 1970. They were married 9 months later and began their lifetime of love and laughter. They bought their forever home and Leonard began his career as an electrician. They had three daughters Deanne, Loriann and Sandra and four grandchildren Daniel, Kalie, Aiden and Evan who will cherish him forever.

Leonard was predeceased by his wife Diane Oetzel, his parents Leonard Oetzel and Mildred Oetzel, his brothers Michael Oetzel and Gerald Oetzel and his sister Constance Swartz.

He is survived by his three daughters Deanne, Loriann and Sandra, three son in laws Armando Lopes, Jason Ferguson, Richard Spiker Jr., four grandchildren Daniel, Kalie, Aiden and Evan, his sisters Linda Dippner (James), Mildred Moore (Sean), Mary Theresa Listman (Archibald), Katerina Wander and brothers Timothy Oetzel and Christopher Oetzel and nieces and nephews.

Dad was a hard worker, he was the kind of man who led by example - quiet in words, but strong in action. He believed in the value of hard work, honesty and doing right by others. He was always working long hours to provide for his family and always did what needed to be done. He spent over 30 years working as an electrician where his dedication earned the respect of everyone around him. His family was his greatest achievement and he gave us everything he had. There was nothing Dad could not fix. he enjoyed simple things watching John Wayne movies, listening to old commercials on his computer and talking about the weather and politics. He didn’t need much just the people he loved around him. He was strong not just in the physical sense. He was strong in spirit, strong in heart and strong even when he was weak, even in his hardest days when life tested him, he kept going on and he fought hard.

Dad you are and will always will be our hero.

We miss you deeply, but our hearts find peace knowing you and Mom are together again.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lenny’s life on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Christ the King Church, 3252 Chesterfield Road, Philadelphia, from 10 AM to 11 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 AM. Interment with full Military Honors will take place at 1 PM precisely in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Arrangements by McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations 215.620.9123.