John William Leonard, 85, California

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on Jan. 11, 1923, the son of the late John William Leonard and Alida Gorecki Leonard.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

He married Catherine M. Nolan on June 5, 1948, in New York City. They were married 55 years. They raised four children, Susan Whitney of Williamsburg, N.M., J. William Leonard of Avenue, Patricia Leonard of Bethpage, N.Y., and Margaret Santoriello of Hicksville, N.Y.

He worked for the New York Telephone Company. In addition to three sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law, he had six grandchildren, John, Michael, Jessica, Dominick, Lisa and Sloan.

Together with his wife, he enjoyed 20 years of retirement in Sun City West, Ariz. He lived for the last five years at Wildewood Retirement Village.

He loved his family and was so proud of his grandchildren. He loved to travel with his wife, and, since moving to Wildewood, he became an avid member of the billiards club. He had a fantastic wit and sense of humor. No matter what the situation, he had a humorous angle, anecdote or joke to convey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; and his grandson and namesake, John William.

The family received friends June 24 at Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today, June 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morganza. The Rev. Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will take place June 26 at Calvary and Allied Cemetery in Long Island, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to MCSS for J.W. Leonard Technology Scholarship and can be mailed to Mother Catherine Spalding School, Helen, MD 20635.