David L. Leonard
David L. Leonard, of Bethany, passed peacefully from this life with his family around him on June 25, 2007, he was 70. He was the beloved husband of 43 years to his wife Marguerite, and the loving father of Patricia (Kevin Pasley) of Bethany, John (Kate) of Trumbull, Robert (Elizabeth) of New Haven and Eileen (Mark Porter) of Bethany. He was predeceased by two sons, Thomas and Matthew. He is also survived by Jeanne Anne and David, children from his previous marriage. David was the proud grandfather of 13 wonderful grandchildren. His brother Michael Leonard (Kathy) lives in Corning, NY. David, born in Chicago, IL, son of Robert and Grace Leonard, raised in Hartsdale, NY. His achievements include: Eagle Scout Badge, Valedictorian and Class president of Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY, and full scholarship to Fordham University. David spent his business career in the chemical industry. After working at Dow Chemical and Union Carbide Corp. for 23 years, he then went on to work for, and eventually own part of Uniroyal Chemical Co., where he retired as Vice President and General Manager of the Plastics Division. David was devoted to his church, Our Lady of Assumption Parish, where he worked tirelessly. He was the past President of the Parish council and a member of the finance committee. In March, he was awarded the St. Joseph, Archdiocese Medal of Appreciation by the Archbishop for his service to the church. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Friday, June 29th at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 75 Center Rd., Woodbridge at 11 a.m. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Soup Kitchen, 84 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511.
Aunt Marguerite & whole Leonard family- Im deeply sorry for the lost of Uncle Dave he will forever hold a special place in my heart. For the last few days my mind has been swimming with memories of fun times, big lobster dinners and of course the many crossword puzzles I witnessed him complete. He always had a bigger than life hug waiting for me when I would visit. He was also the reason I was able to experience some VERY memorable summers that I will hold very close to my heart for a lifetime. When I visit the Cape in the future I’m sure Dave will be right there with me. Kelley, Connor and I send all our thoughts and prayers to your whole family.
Could there be a home more open and welcoming than the home of the Leonards? It was quite touching to me that Mr. Leonard took the time to get to know each of us ~ the friends of his children. Sweet memories of him I will keep always. My heart goes out to all of you ~ I can only imagine how you will miss him. Please know that I lift you up in prayer. With love, Ro
Dad Thanks for all of it. Thank you for the endless of support of my family, for the lessons taught, for the examples set, for the time spent working and at rest. And thank you for Tricia, my beloved. For through her I have come to a much deeper appreciation of God’s love in our lives. I am so glad you are not sick anymore, but I miss you. Watch over us and listen for the prayers of all of us, especially your grandchildren. Rest in peace Dad. Love, Kevin
Dad, wish we could have done Cape Cod one more time, as we spoke, I will always cherish our visits in N.Y.C. and Arizona…. missing you beyond thoughts, I have the letters to reflect…, you will always be with me, my father my friend, your loving daughter…xoxoxox
David will be deeply missed, and our prayers are with him.
Dear Aunt Marguarite and Family.Kevin and I were so saddened to hear of the loss of Uncle Dave. Such fond memories come to mind, great big hugs, hugh lobster meals and of course who could forget fabulous parties around your pool. I’m sorry I was away at a conference but please know my thoughts and prayers were with you and yours. Love you all. June and Kevin
Dear Marg & Family, You know how much I feel your loss! I have read a lot of people mention Dave’s big hugs and that was the first thing that came to my mind! His children all spoke so fondly of him, I know he is so proud. I am privileged to not only knowing him but being a part of his family. I love you all!
Dear Margaret, My deepest condolences on the passing of your dear husband, David. With great affection and love, your cousin Richard
Dear Marguerite and family, Lew and send our condolences to you. Dave was a special person, full of life and we always enjoyed his great sense of humor. May all your memories be of the good times. Our prayers and best wishes are with you at this sad time. Love, Claire
Dear Marguerite and Family, Our prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Our faith tells us that we will be reunited with our loved ones and this is truly consoling. Our prayers are with you. Eileen and Peter Maren
Dear Marguerite, Patricia, John, Robert, Eileen, and all of your extended family: I am so very sincerely sorry for your loss. It is always difficult to deal with the passing of a beloved family member, such as your husband, and father. You have all been going through a terrible time watching Dave suffer from the cancer, but God gave you the strength to deal with that pain. I hope, and pray, and know that God will be beside you now continuing to help, strengthen and console you all. There is consolation in knowing that Dave isn’t suffering anymore, and is at rest in the loving presence of Jesus and Mary. As Catholics we believe that death is not an end; but the beginning of a new life, and we will all be united again someday, in the future, in heaven for all eternity. Dave just went ahead to set a place for all of you. My personal memories of Dave are all good. He was a good, personable, friendly, caring, generous, hard working man, with a good sense of humor. It was obvious that he cared for his family very much. He was always kind to me and my family. I’m sure there will be many people on this earth who will miss him. My family and I send you all of our deepest sympathy, love and prayers. God bless you all. Love, Patricia McDowell Denton
Dear Marguerite, We only just heard from Rita about Dave and truly feel for your loss. Dave was a beautiful person who we always enjoyed having conversations with. Know that you are in our prayers and that Dave is at peace. With our deepest sympathies….Diane & Bob
Dearest Aunt Marg, Patricia, John, Robert, and Eileen, My heart is breaking along with all of yours. Distance is a terrible thing. When I think of Uncle Dave I see his long arms stretched out to welcome me and give me his big bear hug. He held a very special place in my heart and always will. I wish we had a chance to visit over the past year, I will regret that always. His laughter, humor and encouragement has always been and will always be a vivid memory in my heart and mind. I miss you all and hope you know my thoughts and prayers are with you always. I know we will meet with him again and until that time I hope you all can continue to live life as he did…loving and appreciating everything around you. With all my love, Maryellen
Grandpa, my favorite memory of you was always having an answer to one of my questions, whether it was about homework or in general, and always going onto to a different subject, I love you, Your Grandson Brendan
Having served with Dave on the parish council and coming to know and love him as a friend. I give my sincere condolences. I will be out of town on Thursday and Friday and will not be able to attend the services. Dave will always be in my heart.
I loved when he helped me with my homework, I will mss him forever Rest in Peace Grandpa
I spoke to Dave prior to our 50th reunion when working with him in trying to locate alumni from the class of 1954. It was our first conversation in 50 years but it seemed all that time had not passed as we talked about our days at Stepinac. We all missed him at the reunion as I know he missed being there. Perhaps we will all meet again somewhere. May he rest in peace.
I will miss your little chuckle and animations when telling a story.
Leonard Family, I have always felt privileged to be brought into your family as a son. I always have considered your Mom and Dad like my second parents. He was such an amazing man…great sense of humor, supportive, brilliant in business, and a great friend…quite the comic too. I’ll never forget the day he looked at all my paintings and saw hidden things in them that I hadn’t even realized I painted there…very insightful. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. He will be missed.
Life is a wonderful gift and passing on the knowledge from your life is priceless. Knowing Rob as we do we see how strong his family has influenced him and means to him. I’m sure rob will honor his fathers life by continuing to pass on the Leonard wisdom. Our condolences go out to Rob, Liz and the entire Leonard family The Browning Family
Marguarite and family, It was fortunate to know Dave, first in grammar school in Ossining NY and then again at Stepinac H.S. We re-connected over lunch in 2004 after a gap of 50 years. All the fine qualities I admired in Dave as a young man, still shone through after those 50+ years. I’ll remember him and his loving family in my thoughts and prayers. Tony DEloia
Marguerite and Family, We share your sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. We will be thinking of you during this time of mourning. With our deepest sympathy, Peter and Tina Lividini
My Dear Marguerite, Our most sincere condolences to you and your lovely family. Many people will miss Dave. He taught us all to do it our way. Thank you for being there for him all those years he was there for the rest of us. Our prayers are with you and yours. Love, Tom & Rosemary DeFilippo
my deeepest sympathy
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the Leonard and Porter family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the Leonard Family. I will always have fond memories of my association with Dave at Stepinac and at Fordham.
My family & I would like to offer our condolences to your family during this difficult time.
My sympathies and prayers go out to the entire family
One of the most wonderful memories I shared with my grandpa was always walking in the door and instead of a hello it was more of a .what are all these rotten kids doing in my house?. He always made us laugh. Rest in peace Grandpa.
Our deepest sympathies. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Shaun and Blanka Denton and family.
Sorry to hear about Dave, but will always remember the good times we all had together. He will be greatly missed by all of us here. Love, Barbara, Larry & Vinnie.
To all the Leonard family we wish to express our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with you all.
To Marguerite and family, please accept my sincerest sympathy. Dave was my best friend during the formative years of high school and college. We had a business of painting houses and did quite well; we both majored in chemistry and traveled together to Fordham for four years, also majoring in pool and bridge, spending many delightful hours in the cafeteria and pool hall. We attended Mass together at Fordham when we could. Dave was also an usher at my wedding to Clarice, my wife on 46 years. Although we only got together two times in the last fifty years I will always have fond memories of Dave and his wonderful personality. It is an honor to have known him, especially during those early years.
To my dear sister Marguerite and her wonderful family. We want you to know that we share in your grief and will miss Dave very much. We are thankful for all the fond memories he has left us with. All ou love, Rita and Sandy
Tricia and family, Although no words can ease the pain of losing your beloved father, may you all take comfort in knowing that he is at peace now, resting forever ‘in the palm of His hand.’ May God bless him, and may God bless you all.
Uncle Dave was a great guy. My fondest memory of clam digging/shucking…and yes, swallowing them whole in Truro, Cape Cod will be a constant reminder as to the fun loving man he was. I hope he can finally relax now, and in his new peace, maybe take in a game of tennis with my dad, (his cousin Peter Supple) up in heaven! He will be missed. All our love, Leah, Matt, and Samuel
Uncle Dave was truly a unique person! He welcomed our family into his home for many memorable pool parties and barbeques. As soon as we would see him, we would be in his arms with a warm, affectionate hug. His words were quite captivating. His message always touched us. One could look to him for advice or an opinion. He will be greatly missed by all! Our memories of him will be cherished deeply and will allow him to live on in our minds and hearts forever. He was so lucky to have such an absolutely wonderful, close, loving, talented family. Our love, prayers, and thoughts are sent to Aunt Marguerite, Patricia, John, Robert, & Eileen. Our deepest sympathy, Your Cousins, Theresa, Mark Ryan, Tyler, Justin Amanda & Ashley
Uncle Dave, May you rest in peace and watch over your family until you see them again. You were a wonderful person.
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We know Rob is a great son and extend our condolences to your family.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Leonard family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time of sorrow.