Joseph Marion Lechner 1922-2022
Joseph Marion Lechner, son of Cherubino and Barbara, was born May 21, 1922, near Bologna, Italy. He quietly passed in Palm Harbor, FL on February 28, 1922.
He attended Vandergrift High School, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps on June 3, 1941, out of a desire to serve his country. Commissioned as a crew member of B-17 Bomber Squadron, South Pacific. A survivor of Pearl Harbor, he went on to receive various accommodations, including a Purple Heart.
After the war, he served as a salesman at Fitz-Martin Buick in Vandergrift, PA, which launched his enrollment into G.M.I. Engineering College, Flint, MI, and his acceptance into the Executive Management Program of General Motors Corporation. He would earn additional degrees from Sales Analysis Institute, Chicago, IL and the Brookings Business Institute, Detroit, MI. He retired in 1989 after 37 years of service as Regional Manager- Eastern Region for General Motors Corporation.
He was a member of the Antique Auto Club of America and former president, also acting as a Senior Master Judge with certification and merit. He restored a collection of twelve antique cars, including two national winners. Additionally, he served as commander of two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, post commander of the Disabled Veterans, and past president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
His wife of 46 years, Nancy-Atkins Lechner, died November 11, 2005.
He is survived by daughter Barbara and Frank Gatto of Vandergrift, PA; son Joseph and Sharon Lechner, Myrtle Beach, SC; grandsons Jeffrey Gibula and Jennifer Sandmann, Ryan and Emmalee Lechner, Joseph and Rebecca Gibula, and Matthew Lechner and fiancée Krystal Powell. He also had nine great-grandchildren: Jake Sandmann and Alexis Gibula; Tyler, Mason, and Lee Lechner; Grace Gibula; Frankie and Cecelia Shaw and Phillip Lechner.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions made to the Alzheimer’s Research Association in his memory.
Dear Barbara , Joseph and family –
My heart goes out to you all on the passing of your Father , grandfather , great- grandfather last year . As the country marks this Veterans Day , I especially remember my good friend Joe who lived upstairs from my own dear Mother at St Mark Village . They became good friends . Joe was always so helpful to Mom , building projects for her to help around her home . We learned his story of heroism on the day that now lives in Infamy , of his injuries , then returning to fight in the Pacific . He was part of the Greatest Generation and I am deeply honored to have known him . My deepest condolences to you all , may he rest in eternal peace .