Henrietta Leitner

Henrietta Leitner, 92, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson Somerset Hospital. Born in Somerville to the late Henrie and Jean Scotch (nee Berger), she made her home in Bound Brook for 22 years before moving to Piscataway, where she spent most of her life.

A graduate of Bound Brook High School, Henrietta was an accomplished basketball player during her school years. Following her education, she began her career at Union Carbide, where she worked from 1952 to 1959. She later embraced a role that allowed her to intertwine her professional life with her passion, serving as a secretary to the coach for Rutgers Women's Basketball. Her unwavering commitment to the team led to her induction into the Rutgers Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to her significant contributions over the years.

Henrietta was not only known for her professional achievements but also for her kind and supportive nature. She loved to cherish moments with her family, particularly enjoying tailgating and attending Rutgers basketball and football games. She adored every moment spent enthusiastically watching her grandchildren at their sporting events. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Atlantic City where she delighted in playing the slot machines. Her love for the performing arts was evident as well, participating in plays and musicals with the Cabrini Players, where she even took on the lead role in "Guys and Dolls." She was also an active member of St. Joseph Church in Bound Brook, where she previously served as an usher for the 10:15 a.m. mass and sang in the choir.

She is predeceased by her husband William E. Leitner; her son William A. Leitner; her parents; and her sister Barbara Brunnquell.  Henrietta is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Andy) Kaziska; sons Edward (Dee) and Tom (Laura) Leitner; her cherished grandchildren: Joe (Caroline) and Matt (Sara) Swantkoski, and Tyler Kaziska; Kevin, Scot, Daniel, and Edward Leitner; and Tommy and Christina Leitner, Matt Fennimore, and Amanda (Vince) Bellitti; beloved great-grandchildren: Cole and Brooke Swantkoski, Andrew McLaurin, and Gio Bellitti; as well as many extended relatives and friends.

Gathering with family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Joseph Church, 111 East High Street, Bound Brook. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway.  In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association