Leon Metzger

Leon Metzger died peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2015 with his loving daughters at his side. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 66 years, Gilda, who passed away in March 2015. Leon was born in October, 1926, in New York City. He graduated from Evander Childs HS in the Bronx, New York, and from City College of New York, where he received his Bachelors’ Degree in Electrical Engineering. During World War II, he served in the Navy and was a radio technician aboard the USS Renate, an auxiliary cargo ship. After working at several engineering firms in New York City, Leon finished his career at Stauffer Chemical Company in Dobbs Ferry, New York, retiring in the mid 1980’s. Leon and Gilda moved in the late 1970’s from the Bronx to Tarrytown, New York, where they lived for over 30 years. Their home was in the Edgemont Condominium Community, and Leon served as an officer and member of the Board. During retirement, Leon was an officer of the Tarrytown Seniors Club and was involved in other organizations in Westchester County. In 2009, Leon and Gilda moved to Sakonnet Bay Manor, in Tiverton, Rhode Island, where they enjoyed new friends and were active members of the community. Among Leon’s lifetime interests were classical music, particularly opera; dancing to Big Band music with Gilda; cooking; crosswords and Scrabble; and zoology, anthropology and natural history. He loved creative problem-solving and tinkering with household items to improve their functionality. He treasured his lifelong friends, especially his Phi Delta Pi fraternity brothers and their spouses. Leon is survived by his daughter Lois Erhartic and her husband Paul, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; by his daughter Ellen Metzger and her husband Marvin Lange, of New York City; and by three grandchildren, Gabe Erhartic of San Francisco, California; Brian Erhartic of Hermosa Beach, California; and Rebecca Lange of New York City. The funeral and burial will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Fairview, New Jersey, at 12pm on October 28, 2015. Shiva will be at Ellen and Marvin’s apartment. A memorial celebration will be held at Sakonnet Bay Manor at a future date. Because he was a lover of the Bronx Zoo, those who wish to make contributions may make them to: Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. www.wcs.org.