Norman H. Lederer

Norman H. Lederer, 77, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Hospice & Community Care, Mt Joy, after a 19 1/2 month battle with lung cancer. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Max and Anna Mueller Lederer, and was married to Sally Naquin Lederer, with whom he would have celebrated 49 years of marriage in August. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army National guard of Wisconsin and served from 1956-1963. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in History, and continued his studies at Louisiana State University, completing coursework for a Ph.D. and earning an M.A., also in history. He worked as the Founder and Director of the Ethnic & Minorities Center of Wisconsin. He was also a Professor of History and Dean of Instruction at various community colleges in Louisiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He was the Director of Education for District 65, AFL-CIO, in Newark, New Jersey, before moving to Lancaster to work at Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology. He most recently worked for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg in Immigration and Refugee Services, and later at the Catholic Charities Day Treatment Program in Lancaster. He was a member of St. Philip The Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Throughout his life, Norman acquired a massive collection of books and music. He was an avid reader and could always be found with a book in hand and a bag full of books for backup reading wherever he went. In his younger years, he wrote over 1,000 book reviews which were published in various literary publications. His pay was free books. He enjoyed attending Barnstormers baseball games and all the latest movies as soon as they were released. He also enjoyed being on the opposing side of a good debate on any topic. He referred to himself as the Great Depository of Useless Information, and was a master of trivia. “Let the Chips Fall Where They May” was his philosophy on life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children: Max A. Lederer of Lancaster, PA and Katrina Marie Lederer of Washington, D.C. He was predeceased by a son: Nicholas Alexander Lederer and a brother, Max Lederer. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Norman’s Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA with Father Mark E. Weiss officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will take place in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. The service will be followed by a reception/luncheon at St. Philip. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Norman’s name may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604, www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org.

Norman H. Lederer

May 14, 2015