Paul William Leinbach

Paul William Leinbach, 96, passed away in Leesburg on December 28, 2024. Born on November 15, 1928, to Robert L. Leinbach and Annabelle Rich Leinbach, Paul grew up in Woolrich, Pennsylvania where he was active in scouting, eventually attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Paul attended Dickinson Junior College (now Lycoming College) under the U.S. Navy's Admiral Holloway Flying Midshipmen Program which offered a career in naval aviation. He completed two years of study at Dickinson before reporting for active duty at Pensacola Naval Air Station where he learned to fly, at first twin engine seaplanes and then helicopters. During a break from active duty beginning in 1952, Paul earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree from Bucknell University before he returned to active duty in the Navy in 1957 to fly helicopters. Eventually achieving the rank of Commander, Paul flew helicopters for the remainder of his military career, serving as commanding officer of several helicopter reserve squadrons. He retired from the Navy in 1972 after having served eight years of active duty and sixteen years in the reserves. He remained tremendously proud of his military service for the rest of his life and remembered with great fondness the time he spent flying helicopters. Paul's civilian career included work as a Boy Scout Executive Director, a helicopter test pilot for Boeing Aircraft-Vertol Division, and thirteen years in administration at the University of Central Florida. After retirement, he painstakingly researched and wrote two books, A Leinbach Family History (chronicling his father's side of the family) and A Rich Family History (his mother's side). He also was an avid golfer for many years and was a great fan of UCF football and Navy football. Paul was predeceased by his parents and three siblings, Harriet L. Bormann, Robert R. Leinbach, and Frederick B. Leinbach (who died as an infant); his granddaughter, Virginia (Ginny) McDougal; and his longtime companion, Aida Ayala. He is survived by his four children, of whom he was immensely proud: daughter Gretchen Summers (Gary) of Leesburg; son Kurt Leinbach (Leslie) of Poway, California; daughter Caryn McDougal (Robert, deceased) of Coral Gables, Florida; and daughter Alison Giese (George) of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. He also is survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Jeannette Leinbach; six grandchildren (Katie Jackson, Laura Klimas, Kelly Mastro, Lisa Summers, Kyle Leinbach, and Kristin Graham); and nine great-grandchildren. Paul was proud to say that he was blessed with a great family, great friends, and excellent health. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Paul William Leinbach

November 15, 1928 - December 28, 2024