Joseph Christian Leppert

Joseph “Joe” Christian Leppert, 75, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.

A proud American, Ohioan, and native of Hilliard, Ohio, Joe graduated from Hilliard High School in 1969 and began his career in television production at WSYX Channel 6, working behind the scenes in sound engineering, film editing, and commercial planning. He then moved into the printing industry, spending more than 50 years honing his craft with Xerox Education Publications, Mid Ohio Graphics, and Old Trail Printing Company. A long-time member of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants’ Union of North America, Joe retired in 2020 as a Prepress Manager and Color Specialist from Old Trail Printing.

Joe could sometimes be reserved around new faces, but those who knew him well saw a quick wit, a sharp mind, and a wealth of knowledge on so many subjects. Curious and seldom idle, he spent his free time working crosswords or diving into his next project. He enjoyed building intricate model stagecoaches and wooden wagons, a hobby suited to his patience and meticulous attention to detail. A loyal, lifelong OSU fan, he always enjoyed cheering on the Buckeyes. He attended many football games and events associated to Buckeye football, most notably as “Joe from Hilliard” during live 610 WTVN broadcasts of the “Bucksline” radio show.

Music was a constant companion throughout Joe’s life. He loved playing guitar, arranging pieces, and listening to classic country and blues. His guitar stayed within reach, and even during his final days of hospital care, he was able to play some familiar chords.

Joe was proud to come from a farm family and also had an admiration for the railroad. It was a love that came naturally with a father who worked for the railroad and the trains that rolled through the family land. In 2011, Joe was excited to return to his roots and moved back to the family farm on the road named for his ancestors. He enjoyed time outdoors and in the barn, taking the younger generations on tractor rides and pulling out the small pickup-truck go-cart his father had bought many decades earlier.

Joe and his wife, Maureen, were each other’s best friend and greatest companion. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, and nothing she wouldn’t do for him. They were inseparable and wholly committed to each other. Once their boys were grown, the two enjoyed traveling together, visiting historical music destinations along the “blues trail”. Maureen stood by Joe through everything, and during his last few years, he found comfort in her strength and steady support through his final days.

Joe will be deeply missed by Maureen, his wife of 46 years, and his four children: daughters Crystal Price and Carri (Beth) Leppert Gallucci, and sons Adam (Angie) Leppert and Sean (Tabetha) Leppert.

He was a proud grandfather to Madison Price, Brandon (Keleigh) Price, Trevor (Destiny) Gallucci, Cameron (Honorae) Gallucci, Kaydenz (Brody) Gallucci, Luca Gallucci, Cameron Mason, Cayla Mason, Christian Leppert, Emrey Carter, Kenna Carter, and Corbin Leppert, and a great-grandfather to Alice Sweeney Price, Elijah Gallucci, Elias Gallucci, and Ruby Gallucci. They will treasure the time they shared with him.

Joe will also be missed by his nieces Mindy (Bill) McCague, Jill (David) Reed, and Amy Williams; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Christian “Chris” and Lillian “Marie” Leppert, his sisters, Jan (Karl) Barth and Cathy (Ed) Leppert Hughes and his beloved barn dog, Henry.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m.