Bernard Raymond "Barney" Leslie

Bernard "Barney" Raymond Leslie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 79.

Barney was born on February 1, 1947, in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late Raymond "Duffy" Leslie and Rose Ann Leslie. From a young age, he developed a deep love of sports, especially running, and a strong sense of commitment to his Catholic faith and family. These values defined his entire life.

Barney was a 1965 graduate of Sandusky High School, where he was a decorated varsity athlete in basketball, track, and cross-country, earning numerous awards for his talent and determination. His outstanding athletic accomplishments later led to his induction into the Sandusky High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. He continued his running career at the University of Toledo, where he was an Academic All-American in track and field and cross country, and he received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1968. Barney remained a passionate and competitive runner long after college, completing several major marathons, including running the Boston Marathon twice, and joining the elite group of runners who have finished a marathon in under three hours.

Barney had an outstanding career as an engineer at TRW/Northrop Grumman in Dayton for more than 30 years, but his greatest pride was always his family. While running was one of his lifelong passions, his love for those closest to him was unmatched. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose steady care, guidance, and support were felt by everyone around him. Barney married the love of his life, Janet (Fusco) Leslie, and together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. They spent the majority of their life together in Beavercreek, Ohio, where they built a home filled with faith and love and raised their three children. Though committed to his career, Barney never missed a chance to coach a basketball game, attend a gymnastics meet, or watch a dance recital. A provider in every sense of the word, he always put his family's needs first, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and quiet strength that shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Barney is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Leslie; his three children, Erin (Matt Shields) Leslie, Brent (Kate) Leslie, and Brooke (Greg) Wancheck; and his six cherished grandchildren, Samuel (23), Maxwell (20), Julia (18), Brynne (16), Graham (9), and Theodore (6). He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy (Larry) Bales, Cindy (Rob) Glovinsky, and Carol (Ty Yukovic) Leslie; his brothers, David (Martha) Leslie and Paul (Debbie) Leslie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family and friends may call on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, with Father Hoyles presiding. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky.

Those wishing to honor Barney's memory may donate to the Parkinson's Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org.

Barney will always be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, his quiet generosity, and his remarkable strength. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.