Obituary

Leap Jr., Kenneth J., 63, transcended this world and left to travel through space and time on October 7, 2023, with his devoted wife of 30 years by his side, Cindy (Knipple/Howard) Leap. Born January 22, 1960, son of the late Kenneth “Huck” and Helen (Partsch) Leap. Preceded in death by parents, as well as both maternal and paternal grandparents. Survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; loving daughters, Courtney (Bob) Smith and Carey (Ryan) Chiodo; his loyal grandsons, Bradley and Wesley Smith and Damian and Dominic Chiodo, all of Johnstown; siblings, Karl (Nichole Mulchany) Clarion, Keith (Becky) McCarthy of Lilly, Kathy (Tony) Paras of Pittsburgh, and Karen (Jerry) Lucarelli of Pittsburgh; nieces, Lexi, Hannah, and Anna; and nephews, Gerard, Danny, and Thomas. He was a 1977 graduate of Johnstown High School and a 1981 graduate of UPJ. Kenn believed in the power of stories and lived one of the good ones. He was a professional fisherman, pool player, bowler, father, and grandfather. His selflessness and altruism led him to the rewarding career of working with children with autism, starting with Children’s Paraclete and then with Alternative Community Resource Program. Kenn was a member of Flood City Bowmen, where he competed in 3D target shots and the casual league, and a member of SCA. He excelled at axe and knife throwing, winning many local, regional and kingdom tourneys. The natural teacher in him loved training friends in how to throw, and he was passionate about teaching his grandsons the art of axe, knife throwing, and archery. Truly beloved by everyone, Kenn left this world because of a brain tumor.  Glioblastoma took his body from us, but his spirit soars on in the great vastness of space and time. At Kenn’s request, there will be no services. There will be A Celebration of Life held on Sunday, October 15th at Solomon Run Fire Hall from 1pm to 3pm. Donations may be made to Kenn’s GoFundMe, www.gofundme.com/f/kenn-leap-stage-4-glioblastoma-cancer-diagnosis/donate   Arrangements in care of Simple Alternatives, Inc. “Affordable Cremation & Sensible Funeral Care.” Condolences may be made at SimpleAlteratives.com