W. Leo Hicks

W. Leo Hicks, 76, of New Brighton, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at his home. He was born December 11, 1934 in Steubenville, OH, son of the late Walter and Cora (Ramsey) Hicks. In 1953, as a student at Steubenville High School, Leo received the Ford Motor Company’s National Industrial Arts Award for Achievement in Printing and was presented a signed certificate from Henry Ford II, for designing letterhead for the Ford Company’s 50th anniversary. Leo apprenticed with Omar Craig to become a master printer. Leo was a Journeyman Printer of the Beaver Valley Typographical Union #250. In 1966, he and his wife purchased Craig Printing Company, New Brighton from Omar’s widow. When Leo took over the shop, all type was handset. He and his wife, Laraine, owned and operated the business, which saw many technological advances over the last 45 years and added promotional products services 15 years ago. The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce honored Craig Printing and Promotional Products as Business of the Year in 2003.

Leo was a member of the New Brighton Rotary Club for 37 years and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellows Award, a member of the New Brighton Masonic Lodge #259, and of the New Brighton First Church of God. As a member, he supported the Merrick Art Gallery and was a Board Member for the New Brighton Library. Leo was an avid golfer and was frustrated when he did not break 80 for eighteen holes. He was a member of the New Brighton Community Golf League and the Stonecrest Saturday Morning Golf League for over 40 years.

For a hobby, Leo handcrafted amazing miniature doll houses and was a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts. Leo enjoyed providing programs to church, civic, and community groups where he shared presentations on the intricacies of his doll house as well as the 100th anniversary of Craig Printing Company.

His family and friends will long remember Leo for his wonderful sense of humor and his desire to enhance the lives of those around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Wilbur Hicks; and two sisters: Nettie Jane Brooks and Madelyn Everly.

Leo is survived by his wife of 51 years: Laraine (Welch) Hicks; one son and daughter-in-law: Raymond Leo and Elaine Hicks, Harrisburg; one daughter and son-in-law: Dawn Laraine and James Flower, Jr., Carlisle, PA; four grandchildren: Lenore Ramsey Flower, James Dunbar Flower, III, Kyle Ray Hicks and Casey James Hicks; and his brother and sister-in-law: Ray and Nancy Hicks, Boston, MA.

Friends will be received Friday, April 8, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). Additional visitation will be from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM with his service to follow at 11:30 AM in the funeral home, Pastor Doug Show, officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Church of God, 605 Ninth Street, New Brighton, PA 15066. Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com