Leigh W. Urda

Leigh W. Urda, 84, of Economy, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022. He was born on April 19, 1938, in Rochester, PA to the late Michael and Anna Urda. He was a 1956 graduate of Ambridge, High School where he enjoyed being the head drummer in the band. Leigh graduated from Geneva College in 1960 with a Batchelor Degree in industrial engineering. Having worked in the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation engineering department through his college years, upon graduation from college he assumed a position in the Industrial engineering department.  From that position he eventually progressed to general foreman and ultimately to the position of superintendent in the welding department. When US Steel decided to close this entire fabrication site, Leigh opted for a position as quality assurance engineer in Duquesne Light's Nuclear Power Plant. He retired from that position in 1996. Leigh was a member of St. John's Orthodox Church of Ambridge where he served on church council for many years was actively involved in church functions and fund raisers. He was a life member of the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association and the National Rifle Association. He was also a member the Sewickley Valley Conservation Association and a 60 year member of Ambridge Masonic Lodge 701. He proudly served his country as a member of the US Army Reserves.  Leigh enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. His passions in life next to his family were sports, and traveling both home and abroad. Leigh and Elaine very much enjoyed raising their two daughters of whom they are so proud.  Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were a brother, Michael Urda and three sisters, Betty Hopta, Helen Loether, and Katherine Marshall. He leaves behind to cherish his memory and who will miss him so much are his wife, Elaine (Herko) Urda, two daughters and a son-in-law, Laurie A. Urda and Deborah and Bill Kopchick, two grandchildren, Emily A. Kopchick and  Mary E. Kopchick.  In an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID and the flu, it was decided to keep services private. A private funeral service was held on Friday, December 30, 2022 in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive Ambridge. Private interment followed in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to  St. John's Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive Ambridge, PA 15003.

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