Charles Arthur Leckie

Charles “Skip” Leckie, 83, of Orland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), veteran, and friend. Our hearts are heavy with loss, and he will be greatly missed.

Skip was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Charles (“Scotty”) and Constance (“Connie”) Leckie. He attended Blue Island Community High School before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966.

Skip was rarely seen without his Vietnam veteran hat. It was a quiet acknowledgment of his service and sacrifice, something he wore with unmistakable pride. Like many who served, his time in Vietnam stayed with him, and in later years he found support and camaraderie at the Orland Vet Center.

In 1968, Skip married the love of his life, Kathy (Ricci) Leckie. Their marriage was the center of his world, and his fierce love and devotion to Kathy were evident to anyone who spent time around them. Together, they raised three children and built a life grounded in loyalty, humor, adventure, and family.

As a husband, father, and grandfather (“Papa”), Skip was a calm and steady protector. He supported and encouraged every interest, whether it be a hobby, higher education, or extracurricular pursuit. When things didn’t go as planned, he was a reassuring presence, offering strength and unconditional support.

Skip loved to share stories, many rooted in his time in Vietnam. His off-beat sense of humor brought as many belly laughs as it did eyerolls, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He found genuine joy in everyday moments and made a point to slow down and appreciate the world around him. He never met a stranger, loved people and animals alike, and always showed his affection freely a kiss on the cheek was his signature greeting, usually with a cup of coffee in his hand.

He was a hard worker and took great pride in providing for his family. After 36 years as a maintenance manager at Triton Manufacturing, Skip was not-so-gently nudged into a well-deserved retirement by Kathy in 2017. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and neighbors at their camper in New Carlisle, Indiana, and at their condo in Bonita Springs, Florida. Metal detecting was one of his favorite hobbies, and he delighted in telling elaborate stories or speculating about the history and value of the treasures he found.

In his later years, Skip faced Alzheimer’s disease with quiet strength. Though his memory faded, his sense of humor remained, and his smile lit up the room until the very end.

Skip is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy; his sons, Tony Leckie (Lindsay) and Joe Leckie (Annie); his grandchildren, Tino, Daniel, Madeline, Joseph, Kaitlyn, Sophia, and Hudson; his niece, Kris Mondrella (Al); his nephew, Scott Kalchbrenner (Debbie); extended family; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Constance (“Connie”) Leckie; his sister, Sandy Kalchbrenner; his brother-in-law, William (“Bill”) Kalchbrenner; and his daughter, Lisa Leckie Huhn.

The Leckie family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital for their compassionate care in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Skip’s life.

Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at: Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W. 143rd Street, Orland Park, Illinois 60462.