MARK THOMAS LEONARD

Mark Thomas Leonard, 38, died on Sunday, March 10th surrounded by his family and his legion of friends. Born on the 31st of December 1985, he was the son of Sharon (Sirick) Leonard, and Kevin "Baldo" Leonard. Mark was educated in Newington Public Schools, graduating in 2003. He received an Associate Degree from Manchester Community College in 2009. Mark was devoted to his friends and to hiking and camping. He acquired the hiking bug in Boy Scout Troop 355, in Newington, and continued that love for the rest of his life. Through the Boy Scouts, he went on hikes in Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks, as well as the Resurrection Trail in Alaska. Mark was a man of quick wit. He always gave more than he took, and would drop whatever he was doing to help. He was the most intentional gift giver. He enjoyed many things but those of the highest regard were craft beer, New England and UConn sports, videogames, Star Trek, Star Wars, and most importantly spending time with friends and being the best uncle. Mark was employed by the University of Connecticut, in several positions. He served as a Student Manager at the South Campus Dining hall. He also served as a maintainer in the Bulkely dining hall. His last position was as Lead Custodian in half of North Campus.

Mark is survived by his mother and father, his sister Victoria Pica, her husband Zee, his nephews Elias and Benjamin Pica, and his niece Hannah Pica. He is also survived by his Aunt Polly, and his cousin Ellen, his Aunt Susan and Uncle Steve, and his cousins Allyson, Brenan and Kyle Longchamps. He is also survived by his chosen family Alicia and DJ McKernan and their son Connor, along with Devin and Teresa Obedzinski and their daughter Sophia. The family expresses their appreciation and gratitude to his oncology team from Hartford Hospital, the caregivers from Visiting Angels; Donald and Grace, all the nurses from Hartford Hospice, and 24-hour care provided by Dedicated Companions Akeem and Ron. Also, to his many friends, who regularly went above and beyond the call of duty to aid Mark.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 18 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave. in Newington. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation Parish Holy Spirit Church, 183 Church St. in Newington. Guests are asked to go directly to the church. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary Cemetery in New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 355, 1075 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111, or to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715.

"So you will understand when I say, 'Death is that state in which one exists only in the memory of others... which is why it is not the end.' No goodbyes, just good memories. Hailing frequencies closed, sir." -Lt. Tasha Yar. To share a memory with his family, please visit www.duksa.net.

Mark Thomas Leonard