John Joseph Leffler

LTC (RET) John Joseph “Jack or Red” Leffler of Ft. Belvoir, VA died July 25, 2016 a lucky and grateful man. He was born December 11, 1926 in Shamokin, PA. Jack’s personal motto was to live each day with joy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Red graduated from USMA in 1951. In 1952, he married his sweetheart Jean Pawlicki in Sendai, Japan. Following graduation from West Point, his military career included assignments from Platoon to Battalion commander, Infantry School, Airborne Ranger and STRICOM. During his duties, Red received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Medal and Army Commendation Medal for his Service in Vietnam.

After 19 years of service and a wrestling match with an H-13 helicopter, Red had a prolonged hospitalization starting in 1968. This was offset by much TLC from an unbelievably supportive wife and family, which resulted in a dramatic refocusing on personal and family goals. Following the hospitalization, Red retired from the Army in 1970. He received a MS in Administration: Automated Data Processing from George Washington University. Life became more meaningful, family-oriented and gratifying. Red continued to work with computer software management firms, followed by employment with varied government agencies including OJCS, the VA and OPM. He retired from government service in 1982 as an E-6, SES. He continued as a management consultant within the civilian sector until 1989. In 1980, he received the Benjamin Castle Award from the West Point Society of the District of Columbia for exemplifying the ideals of West Point in a civilian capacity.

Jack is survived by Vivian Leffler, Austin TX; Janet Seekins and husband Earl, Marietta, GA; Jim and Mary Leffler, Hanover, VA; Judy Gardner and husband Jim, Gainesville, GA; Jill Lyons and husband Mark, Charlotte VT; Jeanne Leffler and husband Andre Spencer, Richmond, VA and cherished friend Mary Smith. He has 17 grandchildren: Ben, James, Danny, David, Jed, Jake, and Colleen Leffler; Rachael Freeman, Emily Peter, Clare and Grace Seekins, Jack, Joseph, and Roxie Gardner, Jared and Ian Lyons, Jesse Spencer and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Jean, wife of 52 years, and eldest son John who died in November 2015 at age 62.

God blessed us with this amazing man. We want to thank the Fairfax Retirement Community for their years of support and kindness.

Friends and family will meet to celebrate Jack’s life August 25, 2016 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am August 26, 2016 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Army Retirement Residence Foundation 9140 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Ft Belvoir, VA 22060; KOVAR of the Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus, Council 5998, 8592 Richmond Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309; or a charity of your choice.