William Letzkus

William Joseph Letzkus, 80, of Kennett Square, formerly of West Chester, passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.  He was surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was the beloved husband of Mary M. Letzkus, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late William Austin and Helen Carr Letzkus.  His family moved to California when Bill was eight.  After attending Lakewood High School, Bill went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from which he received an honorable discharge.  His experience as a warrior was so fraught for this kind and gentle soul that Bill entered the San Diego College for Men with the intention of becoming a teaching priest.  After receiving a BA in theology, Bill turned his eyes East to study at Villanova University where he earned a MA in philosophy.  After receiving his masters, Bill began his teaching career.  He particularly loved teaching young women because he believed that they should be given the same opportunities as their brothers.  Bill continued his studies towards a PhD in philosophy at Bryn Mawr College.  As american education changed during these years Bill turned his prodigious intellect to mathematics and computer science.  He never lost his wonder for the universe and all things related to science.  He earned a second masters this time in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.  He worked for several years as a computer engineer but his heart was always in philosophy and teaching.  He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy at Temple University and returned to the classroom.

Bill was a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester.  He was a long-standing member of the tenor section of the Chancel Choir, formerly the Men and Boys Choir.  Bill's eclectic taste in music ranged from the Brandenburg Concertos to ABBA.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary; his four children Mary Stanley (Michael), Caroline Grunwell (John), Daniel Greenwood (Susan), and Alison Kreutzer (Jeffery); six grandchildren Catie and Betsy Stanley, Joshua Grunwell (Michele), Annie Buttner (William), Judy Grunwell, Benjamin Greenwood, and one great grandchild Elijah Grunwell Sweitzer.  Bill was anxious to meet his seventh grandchild Baby Kreutzer, who is expected to arrive in July.  Bill is also survived by his sister Kathy Witts (Eugene) of Lakewood, California, numerous nieces and nephews and his brother-in-law Frederick Mullison of Kennett Square.

Bill was a genuinely kind and gracious soul to everyone he met.  He never passed a person on the street without acknowledging them with a smile and kind word.  Many he knew by name.  Bill lives in the hearts of those who loved him and he is sorely missed.

Services to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parish Hall Kitchen at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 212 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19382.

Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).  For online condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Joseph Letzkus, please visit our Tree Store.