Jason Adam Letizia Learn Strong Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Marc Gall. Marc and Jason became friends in college at UWL.

Jason Adam Letizia passed away on November 20, 2015. Please read about Jason’s life as described by his family and friends.

What can be said about a man that touched so many lives? It starts with that, one would suppose, that he lived his life to touch other’s lives. There are too many stories to count, too many memories to share, too many good times to remember. Jason was a truly selfless person who lived his life to serve others. Even throughout his own struggles, he never put himself first.

Jason was born on the 19th of January 1981, to two overjoyed and first time parents, Rich and Jill Letizia. During his youngest years, Jason developed a strong “full throttle” way of living that would allow him to carry on his passions and interests throughout the rest of his life. Before he even saw the movies, Jason could be spotted every day playing Star Wars with his neighborhood friends. At an even earlier age than this, a mere 1 ½ year old, he was given a Brewers pennant from his mother and from then on that was his team. He watched Brewer games when other kids were watching cartoons. To no surprise, Robin Yount was his childhood hero. He went to his first Brewer Opening Day at age 5, and never missed one from then on (having to sneak out of the hospital with his father at least twice to make it) except for 2007 after he had a surgery and was too sick to go. He also enjoyed reading and learning at an early age, 3 years old, and never stopped. Books are still being delivered that he planned on reading. He was a collector of books, cards, figures, and many other things which he learned from his grandfather. He kept everything because everything had value in his eyes. Even a small trinket would mean the world to him for the memories it represented. Most importantly though, in these early years Jason learned how to be a genuine person with the help of some great role models, whether it was his parents, grandparents, or a plethora of great family friends. He never skirted an issue when there was one and always wanted to do what he could to make other people better. He told you how he felt and acted how he needed to in order to improve the situation. This would go a long way in developing his magnificent and determined will to succeed (whether it was to win the debate he was having with you – and there were many of these even as a young boy) or to beat the many odds stacked against him in his life.

Even as a young boy, Jason generally had a plan or goal. Often times it was in a weird or obscure way, but he had a plan nonetheless. For instance, when Jason was in 6th grade he wanted to be an actuary. What 6th grader knows what an actuary is much less wants to do that sort of thing? He always wanted to look classy…like a little movie star or James Bond mini. He spent the last 10 years of his life wearing a suit and tie almost every day to school. [Can you tell he was thinking ahead?]

When Jason was 15, he was diagnosed with Crohns Disease, the first of the many medical issues in his life. He had many complications until his doctors found the correct course of treatment. Though he missed days of school, he’s managed to stay on top of his school work and his hospital stay even kicked off a lifelong friendship with one of his teachers at the time, who eventually became his mentor and inspired him to teach. Although Crohns and the medications he took in order to treat it could sometimes cause embarrassing side effects, Jason never let the disease define him. Rather, he accepted who he was despite his limitations. He didn’t feel he had this long journey of sadness or that he had to overcome this disease to be normal (although he did overcome many complications in his life.) Instead, he knew himself and was incredibly determined to have a purpose regardless. He organized his thoughts, goals, priorities, mind, and passions in a special way that probably none of us will ever see again in our lives.

Despite his illness, he held two jobs in high school. He worked at Cousin’s Subs and eventually became a manager for many years. His second job was at a now defunct book store. He did all he could to keep the business afloat – spending more on books than he made working most weeks. He never let his disease get in the way of his work ethic of passions. He still managed to attend every opening day, stand in line for the new Star Wars movies for the midnight releases, and continue to learn and achieve in school as well as his job.

Being the academic that he was, Jason always knew he wanted to go to college. He knew it would be hard to leave his family but truly aspired to continue his education. He visited several colleges, but knew all along La Crosse was the one after his first visit. He loved the intimacy and the chance to interact closely with his professors, something he carried on throughout his own teaching career.

His college years were some of the best of his life. It was hard for him to be away, but it also gave him independence, something he used in order to make a difference. He was constantly involved in everything he could be. He always strived to be a leader in his community, or at the very least, involved. He participated in running club (an incredible feat considering his illness), belonged to a flag football team, hosted nerf gun wars, was a room RA at Laux Hall for two years (he liked the fact that he had a room to himself because of this and also enjoyed decorating the dorm), an office manager for one year, and even become involved in Student Senate running for vice president one year. He had dinner with the dean at his house. One person even commented that during “Dress your RA night for Halloween” he was the only one out of the several RAs dressed in normal clothing that day. That is just a testament to the respect people had for him around campus. He enjoyed a fairly good bout of health during these first few years of college and he loved every single minute of his involvement. It was not just about grades for him, it was about trying new things and refining himself even further. He was always proud to look back on his days at La Crosse. Very proud. He spent one summer as a camp counselor at Bible Camp to earn money for his next year of education.

Although he enjoyed his first few years of college, his experience of studying abroad was no doubt the best time he ever had in his life. He talked about it all the time after he got back. He had studied for the summer in Scotland. Edinburgh to be exact. He lived in a castle – a literal castle – with a number of students. In addition to Scotland he also saw a number of other places that summer. England, Ireland, and France were all stops on his trip. It particularly meant a lot to him that he was able to visit Normandy to see where his grandfather landed at D-Day. In fact, his grandfather’s stories to him about that infamous day, as well as this trip, probably had a lot to do with his love for history.

It was during this summer that Jason had his first problems with his liver. He had to be taken to the hospital in Scotland because of complications. Just as always, though, he did not let these problems damper or define his life or this once in a lifetime trip. This was the first time Jason had ever traveled with health conditions but it would not be the last. As stated previously, above all else he was determined and nothing was going to stop him from enjoying the place he had now called home for the summer, and for the rest of his life had called this city his favorite in all the world – Edinburgh. Jason had traveled a lot in his life due to his great parents taking him on cruises and across the United States to places like Las Vegas, California, and Florida among others – but this trip to Europe, in particular, seemed to spark his passion for travel. Some people never find love in life. Jason’s love was exploring the world, traveling to new places so that he could bring a piece of it back with him to everybody he knew and cared about.

Jason graduated from La Crosse with honors and a Bachelors of Science degree. He landed his first job not too long after. He student taught at Watertown High School and enjoyed every second of it. He was thrilled to be a part of a school he could call his own again, to attend football and basketball games, and to pass on knowledge to his students, the thing he had spent the last 4 years learning how to do. It was quite a commute every day to get there but he never complained and if anything he relished the opportunity. He became a long term sub at Badger High School in Lake Geneva before being hired at Oak Creek High School for his first full time teaching gig. It meant the world to him to be able to step foot in a classroom every day and teach, to exercise his passion. He loved his classes, especially AP European History. He ended up taking three classes to Europe during summer break, giving back the opportunity he had as a young man to his own students. There was no bigger joy in his life than being able to give back. Every moment of planning for these trips was loved just as much as the actual trip themselves. He got to explore the world and teach at the same time! Most of the time a licensed tour guide is needed to explore Europe, and although a tour guide always accompanied, all of the students knew who the real tour guide was – Jason. He would often chime in with his own historical facts that the tour guide did not even know.

Jason enjoyed several other activities in this time, whether it be with students or colleagues. He participated in both Mock Trial and Model United Nations at school. He attended Oak Creek sporting events, including the football games which he probably enjoyed the most. He hosted game night, trivia night, as well as Pizza Club with a mix of his friends, colleagues, and former students. He truly loved living life.

In 2011 Jason’s health started to deteriorate. Jason was informed that the time had come where he would need to undergo a liver transplant. He was placed on the transplant list and after several false alarms was given a new liver on August 22nd, 2011. He had his first “liverversary”, something his friends and family would celebrate with him every year. Although the transplant was a success, several complications arouse. The new liver had triggered the development of CMV, a rare and deadly virus. After a 6 week hospital stay he was able to beat the odds once again with the help of his doctor who had called all around the world in order to find the correct treatment regimen.

After the treatment of the CMV, Jason enjoyed good health for a brief period. Complications continued to arise however, when he slipped on some ice and broke his leg. The metal rod they inserted had given way to an infection that again caused a lengthy hospital stay. Between the osteoporosis that caused micro fractures in his back, his broken leg, and the pain from his Crohn’s, Jason was in almost constant pain. He often did not take his pain medicine because it effected his ability to be the lively man he was or caused him nausea. He never let this pain stop him, however, and continued to do what he loved. So many times Jason said, “I just want to feel better so I can go back to school and teach my students.” That is exactly what he did.

Although over the next 4 years Jason would have his ups and downs, he still managed to accomplish great feats. Jason managed to continue teaching but also continue learning. He achieved his master’s degree and was in the process of getting his doctorate. He became an uncle in 2012 to Elyse Joy Chamberlain, “Niece Elyse” and again in 2015 to his second niece Zoey Blyss Chamberlain. These were the children he never had and he loved to spoil them. He was very close to both of his nieces and loved them more than anything in the world.

Jason continued to travel despite his illness. Before his first liver transplant he went to Russia to visit with his friend Dan. He continued to travel after the transplant as well, going to California to see his friend Andy and Washington D.C. at least twice (including once in July 2015 when he was very ill, wheelchair bound, and had to go to a teaching conference he had been selected to nationally.) The fact that he made it there as an independent person just shows his courage! He made it out to Boston, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Cincinnati and probably even more baseball cities in his own personal “Ballpark Tour of America.” He even took a trip out west with his colleague Chris, seeing the SPAM Museum in Minnesota, the town of Wall and the Badlands in South Dakota, the city of Bozeman in Montana, Wyoming to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Idaho, the town of Seattle in Washington State, North Dakota and many other amazing sites. In 2014 Jason traveled to Las Vegas independently for his sister’s wedding again despite needing to be in a wheelchair for much of the time. He flew out on the weekend and of course was back by the start of the school day the next week. He relished every moment celebrating with his family and watching his sister join her husband in marriage.

In June 2015, Jason was notified that once again he would need another liver transplant. Jason knew the risks. He knew it would be not only the battle of his life, but the battle for his life. He was informed that within the next 5 years he would be receiving his second transplant. In October 2015, things worsened and he was moved to the top of the transplant list. Knowing now that his health had gotten even worse he once again consulted with his doctor to weigh the risks of the procedure. Although maybe not everyone around him realized it, Jason knew that this was a 99 MPH fastball to the corner of the plate. Jason decided to swing. Maybe the most heroic thing he ever had done was him making his peace with this. After talking to several people before the surgery everyone had gotten a strong impression that he was definitely at peace and prepared for whatever may come.

On November 20th, 2015 the world lost one of its shining stars. A selfless and kindhearted servant of others was taken far too early from this world, but for every person there is a plan. Jason will continue to serve and teach us all in his own ways, maybe even in a more effective manner than ever before.

Jason would not want us to grieve, but rather to remember and honor him through our lives and to keep the cherished memories we all have of him close and dear in our hearts. He would want us to remember what he stood for. He would want all of us to reflect on his life. He would want us, when we are having a bad day, to gain perspective from thinking about the context of his life. Most importantly Jason would want us to pursue whatever adventures in life that we love. He would want us to continue serving others in the selfless manner in which he lived his entire life. Always remember the dignified twinkle in his eyes, the fire of passion in his heart, and the beautiful mind that we all were able to share in because of his friendship.