Obituary of Joseph John Schleigh Jr.

It is with deep sorrow to report that on February 8, 2023, Joseph Schleigh (DEA, retired) passed away in Zephyrhills, Florida.  He was Catholic in faith. 

Joe had a passion for the outdoors.  He was an avid golfer, enjoyed biking, hiking, and driving his vintage red Camaro.  Joe loved travelling and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a true fan of his home teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Joe attended Our Lady of Fatima grade school and graduated from Bensalem High School where he was a star football player for the Owls.  He graduated from the Police Academy and went on to achieve his bachelor’s degree at Temple University.  Joe served as a Corporal, law enforcement officer in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.  Then he dedicated 27 years of distinguished service to the DEA in various capacities and assignments. Joe began his DEA career as a Special Agent at the Philadelphia Field Division in February 1991.  During his career, Joe served as a Special Agent at the Santiago, Chile Country Office, Group Supervisor at the Tampa District Office, Group Supervisor at the Lima, Peru Country Office and thereafter as a staff coordinator at DEA headquarters.

Joe retired from the DEA in September 2018 to Land O Lakes, Florida with his wife Kathy.  Throughout his career, Joe was continuously recognized as a tenacious investigator, leader and dear friend across the Military and Law Enforcement Community, DEA, Marines, FBI, U.S. Attorney Office, USA Customs Service, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard to include DEA domestic and foreign counterparts. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy Schleigh, who was also a dedicated DEA employee and dear friend to many, serving in various administrative capacities while overseas and at DEA headquarters. Also, by his loving parents, Joseph and Lorraine (Chrostek) Schleigh. 

He is survived and will be dearly missed by his sisters, Lorraine Victoria of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania and Jacqueline Schleigh of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania; brother in law, Billy Bassler Ritchie of Land O Lakes, Florida; nephews, Justin (Missy) Schleinkofer of North Carolina and Matthew Pierce of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania; along with many cousins. 

Please keep Joe and Kathy in your thoughts and prayers as they rest in eternal peace together. 

Donations can be made in Joe's name to Gigi's Playhouse Tampa