Michael J. Leonka

1946 - 2018

Michael J. Leonka, 71, of Wethersfield formerly of Hartford, loving brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, peacefully passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 in Hartford Hospital with his family at his side. Michael was born November 29, 1946 and raised in Hartford, one of five children to the late Louis J. and Mildred (Bednarz) Leonka. He attended Hartford Schools and was a graduate of Bulkeley High School. He went on to attend the University of Hartford. Prior to his retirement, Michael was employed by the City of Hartford Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Director. Michael was a very thoughtful and generous person who loved his family very much. He enjoyed reading and writing and was a world traveler in his younger days. Michael could always be found enjoying some sort of sporting event, be it rooting for his beloved Red Sox, UCONN Huskies Sports, especially the Women's Basketball team, about which he could recite stats on the team without hesitation, Notre Dame Football Team and the New York Giants. Michael will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his loving family, three brothers and their wives, Matthew and Carol Leonka of Harwinton, Mark and Susan Leonka of Wethersfield, and Martin and Christine; his sister and her husband, Louise and Martin Carroll of Granby; his adored four nieces and four nephews; his cherished three grand-nieces and a grand-nephew; an uncle and two aunts who were loved as brother and sisters to him, John Bednarz and his wife Danuta, Theresa Jacobson, and Joanne Bednarz; and many dear cousins. Michael's family would like to acknowledge his care giver Ophelia Darko, for the wonderful, loving care she extended to him, and for always being there for Michael. Friends and relatives may pay their respects to family on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 9:15 – 10:15 am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield. Funeral procession from Farley-Sullivan will commence at 10:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 63 Popieluszko Court, Hartford. Inurnment will follow the Mass in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery (M-Ext. Section) 1 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be made to SS. Cyril & Methodius Church. To extend online condolences and/or share a memory, please visit farleysullivan.com.