Richard Scott Leitzel

Richard (“Rick”) Leitzel, a twenty-seven-year resident of Romeo, passed away on May 24th, 2025 at Troy Beaumont Hospital, at the age of 72. Rick was born on April 19th, 1953 to Patricia Leitzel (née Childs) and Gilbert Leitzel. In 1971, he graduated from Utica High School, where he played football. Thereafter, he attended Macomb Community College, and worked cutting meat, laying carpet, and as a shoe salesman. Rick was a quick learner, taking on each new craft with dedication, but he committed himself most to his profession as a real estate agent, contractor, and home improvement salesman. As a boy, his father imbued in him a strong work ethic: Rick helped keep up the family home near Lakeport State Park, while enjoying water skiing on the boat and summers spent on Lake Huron. During his lifetime, Rick traveled all over the United States and Bahamas, and eventually to Italy. He loved road trips, golf, and history. Being an avid reader, one could regularly find Rick in a restaurant or car park, reading a novel for hours on end. Above all, he was a family man and cherished his time at home with his wife and daughters, Patty and Stephanie, and their greyhounds. He was a constant supporter of his daughter’s academic pursuits. He took great pride in her academic accomplishments, especially earning her PhD at Harvard and securing a professorship at Yale shortly before his passing. His neighbors and many friends will long remember him as a social man and the life of the party. While living in Romeo, Rick’s home was a focal point for neighbors, family, and friends to gather: he put great effort into planning games, fireworks, and swim and block parties. He was a charitable man with a big heart. He was always concerned for others. As a salesman throughout the Detroit-metro area, as a friend, and as a neighbor, he was generous with his time and resources for anyone in need.

Rick is survived by his wife Patty, daughter Stephanie, sisters Pam Becker and Kimberly Burkart, sister-in-law Linda Leitzel, and brother-in-law Gary Burkart. He has 11 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Randy Leitzel.

Visitation will be on Saturday May 31st from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo. He will be cremated afterward, and his remains will rest with his wife and daughter. The family is planning an open-house celebration during the second weekend in September and will notify people in the near future. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life