Richard Gittings Leapley

Richard Gittings Leapley, age 77 of Laurel, Maryland passed away on March 4, 2023. Born on April 21, 1945 to parents: Edgar and Dorothy [Billings] Leapley.

Richard was born in Asheville North Carolina he later moved to Chicago Illinois and then to Washington, DC. When Richard applied for his job at Montgomery County Fire Department, he called every day at the same time to “follow up” on his application. He would say he bugged them enough to tell him to come in.

Richard loved spending time with his family, collecting coins, lighthouses and anything firefighter related. He loved history and reading about all the different wars especially World War 1 and World War 2 and the Vietnam War. He also loved watching country western movies.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, and Pa/Pauly. He always had a story to tell, funny saying to make you laugh and never met a stranger he did not know. He had a great laugh and the best personality.

Richard could fall asleep anywhere, especially in his chair. He would say that is where he got his best sleep. Richard was extremely hard working and always put others first over himself. Richard loved driving the apparatus while he was a firefighter. Richard also prided himself at overseeing the soda machine at the fire department and always demanded RC Cola be in it. He also enjoyed driving the bus while he was a bus driver. Richard was always the driver, ending up in random places. He had a passion for spontaneous traveling. During every blizzard he would pick up his daughters and anyone else who needed a ride and get them to work.

Richard enjoyed going into his deli at Weis Markets and striking up conversations with new people. He enjoyed the little things. Richard was always prepared. He never left home without a pocket of change, a handkerchief and nail clippers. He was so humble and funny. He could turn a difficult day into a good day just by his words and his calming soul. His grandchildren would describe him as “just a good guy.” He had an answer for every problem and was always willing to jump right in to help. Richard always had the best sayings to make you smile like “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” “Can’t get rid of me that easy,” “what am I chopped liver,” “yeah buddy,” “oh I’m fine” and “if you all don’t sit down, I’m gonna turn this bus around,” “boys' rule and girls drool”, “Call me what you want but don’t call me late for dinner”, “I’m just here for the Beer (Never any Beer) “you know what I mean jelly bean”, “we gotta see who can out lie each other” and probably his personal favorite “I’m perfect in every way.”

Richard was a manly man who would take the shirt off his back to give to you and he would give his last of anything if you needed it. Richard was a people’s person. He loved just to talk to ANYONE who would listen. Richard was the Best Husband, Father, Pa/Pauly, Son, Brother, Uncle and Mentor that anyone could ask for. He will forever be in our memories and hearts.

He is survived by her loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Leapley; 2 daughters: Kimberly Johnson and Sarah Leapley; 5 grandchildren: Kyle Mariani, Skylar Johnson, Rayne Thompson, Rayden Thompson, Zoey King; and 2 siblings:  Michael Leapley and Mary Roth.

He was predeceased by Edgar Leapley, Dorothy Leapley, Brother Eddie Leapley, Robert Leapley, Robin Leapley, Tom Roth.

Alsac St. Jude Children's Hospital
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