Richard Lee Sanzenbacher

Richard Lee Sanzenbacher, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 28, 2021, at Hospice House in Poland after a courageous struggle with cancer.

Lee was born Friday, April 10, 1931, in Warren the son of the late Otto W. and Grace A. Sanzenbacher and was a lifetime Trumbull County resident.

Lee was a graduate of Warren Township School in Leavittsburg, Ohio.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the Korean War.

Lee entered the family automobile business with his eldest brothers, Glen and Dale, in the franchised ownership of Sanzenbacher Dodge.  The dealership was founded by his father in 1921 and the three boys concluded the business 66 years later in January of 1987.

Early in Lee’s business life, he met Bonnie J. Hunter.  They were married in September of 1957.  Their parental pride came through their daughter, Brenda and son, Grant.

Lee’s interests were in varied areas.  In addition to the family business, he chaired the Leavittsburg High School class reunion with the 50^th Caribbean Cruise in March 1999.  His community involvement began when he developed successful campaigns for first-time political candidates for a ward councilman as well as the Warren mayor.  Lee was a long standing supportive and active member of Living Lord Lutheran Church in Howland, where he served as the founder and chairman of the mission Endowment Fund Committee.  The mission benefitted local non-profit organizations with identifiable positive purposes. He was likewise interested in the preservation of Living Lord Lutheran Church properties through the Fuchs Memorial Committee and Church Council.  He served as secretary for both the Fuchs Memorial Committee and the Church Council.  His leadership and meticulous organizational skills became evident wherever his interests led him.  He also was active in Whispering Meadows Association serving on the Board of Managers as its secretary for ten years.

There were two important pillars that broadened Lee’s scope of interest: the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.  Lee was past commander of the American Legion Post No 278 in Warren as was his father.  Both men were long-standing Masonic members of Carroll F. Clapp No 655.  In December 2017, Lee received recognition honoring his 65^th Masonic year.

Lee was a proud husband, father, and grandfather.  His memories will be celebrated and cherished by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Brenda (Bud) Biggin of Vero Beach, Fl, son Grant (Maureen) of Howland, grandchildren Chloe Sanzenbacher of Grayslake, Illinois, and Dylan Sanzenbacher of Rochester, New York and his sisters-in-law Betty and Althea Sanzenbacher.

Besides his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his brothers Glen and Dale, and nieces Gwen and Gale. 

The family sincerely thanks the Hospice House staff and especially Rebecca Hudak, Chaplain, for her caring support and love given to Lee and his family.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:50 p.m. in the church.

A Memorial Service with Interim Pastor Larry Klinker officiating, will be offered at 4:00 p.m. in Living Lord Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions may be made in memory of R. Lee Sanzenbacher to support The Mission Endowment Fund at Living Lord Church, 851 Niles Cortland Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44484.

In keeping with the current healthcare protocols, masks will only be required for those who have not been vaccinated.  If you are unable to attend or feel uncomfortable doing so, please keep Lee and his family in your thoughts and prayer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road, NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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