Amalia Paniello Leonard

Amalia (Molly) P. Leonard, 92, of Bagdad, FL passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Molly was born in Tampa, FL and raised in Attapulgus, GA. She was the oldest daughter of Joe and Amelia Paniello. She graduated from The Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, FL, in 1948. She attended Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, for a short period of time, then attended and graduated from Florida State University, where she met the love of her life H. Key Leonard. Molly was a stay-at-home mom when her children were young and later worked as an Aide and teacher of Pre- K D at Bagdad Elementary School. She stayed busy with volunteer activities, church programs, and ministries. She was an active parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton, FL. She was especially active in the Burse Club, where she devoted more than 30 years of her time and effort.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years, H. Key Leonard; her parents, Joe and Amelia Paniello; and son-in-law, Manny Madril.
She is survived by her loving sister, Hilda (Bob) Murphy of Cairo, GA; a son, Joseph (Christina) Leonard of Gulf Breeze, FL; daughters, Lisa (Robert) Thompson of Homosassa, FL, Roseanne (Manny [d.]) Madril of Pace, FL, and Amelia (Tony) Albano of Crestview, FL; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Bryan, Robbie, Joe T., David, Joey L., Jeffrey, Alison, and Michelle; eleven great grandchildren; one nephew, Bill, and two nieces, Kathy and Sally.
A funeral service will be held Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Rosa of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Florida 32570, with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Serentiy Gardens.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Schutt and the staff at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital; and the VITAS staff for their devoted hospice support given to our loved one.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Molly Leonard to the Burse Club at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church located at 6451 Park Ave., Milton, FL 32570.
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