Charles Leonard

1934 - 2016

Leonard (Fitch, Jr.), Charles

Charles Leonard (Fitch, Jr.), born on April 12, 1934 in Evansville, IN, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2016. He was the son of the late Charles Leonard Fitch, Sr. and Blanche Marie (Crump) Fitch. After graduating from Bosse High School in 1952, Charlie served proudly in the Navy and went on to attend Evansville College and then the University of Kentucky.

He married Shirley Ann Weiskittel in February 1959 and had three sons: Charles (David), Roger and Mark.

The name Charlie Leonard is familiar to many in the community, the broadcast industry and in the PR world. While born Charles Leonard Fitch, Jr., Charlie began using his first and middle name as a professional name in 1958, while a news reporter at WOC AM-FM Radio and then at a television station in Davenport, IA from 1958-1965.

From 1965-68, he worked in the newsroom for WAVE-TV in Kentucky. In 1968, he was transferred as news director to WFRV-TV were he successfully managed the news department.

In 1973, he left broadcasting to become an assistant vice president of marketing and public relations for a financial institution. In 1976, he left WFRV and moved into helping run political campaigns and then public relations and media consulting. He later reentered television as a news director at WBAY-TV in Green Bay and then returned to public relations consulting in 1979.

In 1992, he partnered with Susan Finco to form Leonard & Finco Communications. Later, Oneida Tribal Member Bobbi Webster joined the firm and it became Leonard, Finco and Webster. After a few years, Webster returned to the Tribe as its communications director.

Through the years, business, political and governmental strategy planning became his trademark. He successfully led a number of community efforts including a successful referendum campaign to move historic buildings from Green Bay to Allouez for the establishment of Heritage Hill State Park, the Neville Public Museum, assisting the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin with approval to build their landmark hotel across from Austin Straubel Airport, and lobbying of leaders at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to lease 47 acres of land for the development of the Green Bay Botanical Gardens. He also was instrumental in developing political and community support for the construction of the Brown County Exposition Center (ShopKo Hall).

Charlie made additional significant and lasting impacts on the Greater Green Bay through his PR work on the KI Convention Center and Resch Center arena; co-founding the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling; promoting the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary; and helping numerous other business and organizations. He was recognized with awards for his service on the boards of directors on many organizations including the Wisconsin Bicentennial Commission, Neville Public Museum, On Broadway, Inc. and Bay Lake Bank to name only a few.

After his wife's passing in 1995, he developed a close and loving relationship with Bonita "Bonnie" Cagle.

Charlie is survived by his sons Roger and Mark (Wendy Brisbane), as well as his 4 grandchildren: Katherine, Ellianna, Spencer and Kaili and daughter-in-law, Bethanne Fitch.

He was preceded in death by his son, Charles "David" Fitch and his sister, Norma Sharon.

Friends and relatives may call at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay), Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 11 AM to 12:45PM. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM. Entombment will be in ALLOUEZ CATHOLIC CEMETERY AND CHAPEL MAUSOLEUM (2121 Riverside Dr., Green Bay). To leave an on-line condolence for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com or for more information, please call (920) 432-4841.

Charlie's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Matthias Fuchs and staff of Cardiology Associates at Bellin Hospital and Dr. Jason Hoppe of Prevea Heart & Vascular Care.