Chapter Eternal - J. Leon Piatt '49
J. Leon Piatt. '49 - LaVie Portrait
We have been honored to call this man our Brother. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brother.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:
- J. Leon Piatt. '49 - May 10, 2016
J. Leon Piatt. '49 - WWII
J. Leon Piatt of Lamar passed away on May 10 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center at the age of 92.
Born February 5, 1924 in Millville, PA., he was the son of the late Lewis and BlancheLawton
Piatt. In 1937 the family moved to the Lamar/Nittanyarea where his father had a lumber business. Leon graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1941. He began college at Penn State, then left to serve his country in the Army Air Force during World War II as an Aviation Cadet in pilot training. After the war he continued his studies at Penn State, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Leon married the former Mae Shadle on July 12, 1945. They enjoyed a loving marriage until her death on October 18, 2007.
Upon his father’s retirement in 1955 Leon took over the Piatt Lumber Company in Lamar and ran the business until its doors closed in 1986. He continued an active life in the community, serving as director and treasurer of the Nittany Water Company from 1958 till 2008. As a mason he was a member of Lafayette Lodge 199 in Lock Haven, the Scottish Rite in Williamsport, the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona and the Clinton County Shrine Club. He was also a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
Leon enjoyed the outdoors, and while Mae was still living the two of them had many good times fishing for trout in the Narrows of Fishing Creek, near their home. He was also an avid hunter, as well as enjoying bowling in a league. However, the hobby he enjoyed the most, and which became a avocation in his retirement years, was repairing and restoring clocks. His finished products were of such a high quality that he was called upon to work on some of the finest timepieces in the area.
He was predeceased by his two sisters, Helen Greenly of Millville and Thelma Green of Williamsport. While no siblings remain, he is survived by several nieces and nephews.