Leon E. Tschantre

MILFORD - Leon Emile Tschantre passed away on October 27, 2024 at Milford Place Assisted Living.  

Leon was born in Cambridge, Maryland on October 31, 1929, son of the late Joseph Emile Tschantre and Mary Cook Tschantre.  

Leon attended Cambridge High School and graduated in 1948. Afterwards, he attended Bowman Technical School for watchmaking in Lancaster PA, and received his Master Watchmaker Certification from the Horological Institute of America in July 1950.  

Leon joined the Army National Guard during this time so he could attend school, then was called up during the pre-Korean War period. He served in the Army achieving the rank of First Sargent and was stationed in Germany. While home from leave he met Joyce Mende Tschantre and they were married in 1954.  

Leon began his working career working for his father at Tschantre’s Jewelers in Cambridge MD, which established the fourth generation Tschantre Jeweler. (Preceded by Joseph E. Tschantre, Leon E. Tschantre and John A. Tschantre)  

An opportunity became available working for H. S. Saunders Jewelers in Milford DE, so Leon and his family moved there in 1959. He remained working at H. S. Saunders for the majority of his career and earned additional certifications in Gemology and Audiology along the way.  

In their spare time, Leon and Joyce enjoyed many activities with friends, including playing bridge, going to dances and entertaining at their home.  

Leon also enjoyed playing chess and was a founding member of the Milford Chess club. He and his numerous chess friends through the years traveled to chess tournaments, which included playing in the World Open.  

Leon has been a member of the Avenue United Methodist Church for over 60 years; and together with Joyce for over 50 years. (Wife Joyce passed away in 2014)  

Leon is survived by his daughter, Joanne Tschantre Hyatt and her husband Tommy of Little Rock Arkansas; a son Leon Eric Tschantre and his wife Barbara of Pottstown PA; four grand-children; Lisa Michele Sehika, Steven Eric Goines, Jason Eric Tschantre and Kathryn Tschantre Hinchey and twelve great grandchildren.  

The family will receive visitors at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., from 3PM to 4PM with a funeral service at 4PM on Thursday October 31st. 

Interment is private. 

The family would like to express their thanks to the wonderful staff at Delaware Hospice in Dover and to Milford Place for their care of our father. 

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorial contributions in his name to Delaware Hospice, Dover Office, 555 E Loockerman St., Dover, DE 19901 or Milford Place Assisted Living, 500 S DuPont Hwy, Milford, DE 19963.