Leonard John Reidinger

Leonard John Reidinger, 78, passed on June 14, 2026. Born September 6, 1947, in Shamokin, PA., Leonard made his home in Hixson, Tennessee for now 46 years, building a life defined by steady devotion, spirited curiosity, and the kind of work ethic that quietly leaves things better than it found them.

From the beginning, Leonard paired determination with a reach for what was next. He graduated from Shanokin High School, then from Penn State University, and continued his education to its culmination with a degree in Nuclear Engineering from UTC, steps taken with the confidence of someone unafraid of challenge and committed to doing things well.

Leonard met the love of his life, Kathleen, and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Tecumseh submarine in the Engineering and Electrical Department. That same steadfast sense of duty carried into his career with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he worked until retirement, reliable, hard-working, and faithful to the responsibilities entrusted to him.

Leonard was married to Kathleen for 56 wonderful years. He is survived by his son, Steven Reidinger (Stefanie), and his grandson, Parker; his sister, Mary Moyer; his niece, Tracy Rhodes; and his nephew, Shawn Rudiman and his brother-in-law, Rob Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Ben Reidinger, and by his sister, Pat Robinson, and a brother, Eric Reidinger.

Those who knew Leonard also knew the joy he found in simple, shared moments, time on the golf course, and the delight of playing Minecraft with his grandson, Parker. His sense of adventure showed up not in grand declarations, but in an eagerness to learn, to play, and to be fully present for the people he loved.

Leonard’s faith and service were woven into the community he helped strengthen. He served as scout master for St. Jude Boy Scout troop 172 and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He also served as the grand knight of the Knights of Columbus council #610, and he was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

A Celebration of Leonard's Life will be held in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Monday June 22, 2026, at 12:30 pm with Rev. Msgr. Al Humbrecht officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest with military honors in the Chattanooga National Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Leonard’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/donate/

Please share your thoughts and memories of Leonard online with the family at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.