Leonard J. Milde

Leonard J. Milde, age 86, of New Russia Township, passed away peacefully at his residence on the morning of Tuesday July 8, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lorain on June 14, 1939 to Leonard M. and Alice Ann (nee DeChant) Milde, he devoted his life to his family, sharing his wisdom, and to the pursuit of knowledge. He was a man of kindness, strength, wisdom, and love. Len graduated in 1958 from Clearview High School. Continuing on his path, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio in 1962 where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He later earned his Master degree from Kent State University in 1972. Len began his career as an educator in 1962 teaching at Tennyson Junior High School in Sheffield. In 1964 he joined the Lorain City School System where he embarked on a career as a mathematics teacher at Admiral King High School that lasted for the next thirty years. While on the faculty there he served as the boy’s varsity soccer coach for several years. Simultaneously, he worked as an adjunct faculty member in the mathematics department at Lorain County Community College where he taught during the evenings. In 1994, Len sadly made the decision to retire following more than three decades of teaching. During that career, he enjoyed passing on his wisdom and knowledge while inspiring countless students to believe in their own abilities. Len was known for being a devoted family man; he cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He also treasured attending the school functions and games of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Sharing a social event with his friends was something else that he always cherished. A long-time parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria Township, Len enjoyed being outside making breakfast at the park, camping, fishing, serving as a coach for Lorain Youth Baseball, woodworking, traveling, and working around the home. Additional passions included collecting coins and baseball cards as well as watching sports and auto racing. He is survived by his daughter Pamela, son Jeff (April) and grandchildren Marisa, Justin, and Dale. Extended family members include Hattie, Bianca, and Ava. Len was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years and the love of his life Mary Ann (nee Rybarczyk) in 2022, his father Leonard M. Milde in 1985, mother Alice A. Milde (nee DeChant) in 1989, sister Patricia Olah in 2021, brother-in-law John J. Olah in 2007 and niece Lynn Olah-James in 2002. Len’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff and caregivers of the Hospice of the Western Reserve for the care and kindness that they extended to them during the days leading up to his passing. Visitation will take place in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – 41295 North Ridge Road, Elyria Township on Saturday July 19, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Neil G. Walters, Pastor of the church will officiate. Entombment will take place at New Russia Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Milde Family asks you to consider a contribution in Len’s memory to either the Hospice of the Western Reserve or St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Leonard J. Milde

June 14, 1939 - July 8, 2025