John H. Leed, Jr., of Washington Boro, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026. John and his high school sweetheart, Nancy M. Leed, shared 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2025. Together they raised five children which grew into fourteen grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Poppy". He was born at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, son of the late John H., Sr. and Margaret F. Leed, Conestoga.
John was raised in Lancaster County and graduated from Penn Manor High School and Brownstown Vo-Tech in 1972. At Vo-Tech, he was awarded the Top Draftsman in the county. He built a life centered on family, the water and an extraordinary knowledge of marine engineering.
John worked at Jackson Marine Sales in High School and then started at Trojan Yacht as a design engineer. He spent much of his time testing new yachts, ensuring their safety and performance. His engineering work led to patented innovations in threaded shaft couplings.
When Trojan closed in 1992, John and his former boss, Larry Warner purchased Trojan's inventory and started Marine Tech. His knowledge of marine engineering - and Trojan Yachts in particular - was remarkable. John was a walking encyclopedia of Trojan boats. Decades after a boat was built, he could recall details about its design, components, systems and history that most had forgotten.
Some of John's favorite memories were made on the water. He loved spending time aboard his houseboat on the Susquehanna, attending car and boat shows, cooking, and spending time with everyone. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church for 35 years.
John was the father of John (Lauren) Leed, III; Katie (Andrew) Odell; Andrew (Emily) Leed; Shelbie Leed and Patrick (Karissa) Leed. He was the brother of Jim, Bill, Cindy (Cameron) and Jeff Leed.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sixth and Locust Streets, Columbia on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. The Viewing will be from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in Green Field Cemetery (Stehman), Millersville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to: Old Columbia Public Grounds, PO Box 636, Columbia, PA 17512.
"God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does." Martin Luther.
Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.
