Joseph Martin Leonardo

Joseph Martin Leonardo, affectionately known as Joe, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away

peacefully on September 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Joe graduated from California State College in California,

Pennsylvania, the same place where he met the love of his life, Linda Rutkowski. The two were

married just three months shy of 50 years.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, and their three children: Lori Leonardo, Kristy

Higdon (Seth), and Melissa Barris (Allen). He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren

Jack, Cameron, Anna Marie, and Eli, all of whom live in the Atlanta area and brought him

immense joy.

During and after his college years, Joe worked at U.S. Steel's Homestead Open Hearth and

Bethlehem Steel's Ebensburg, PA, Coal Mine. He spent most of his professional career as a

Technical Sales Representative for major industrial coatings and structural adhesive

manufacturers. The products he sold were integral to almost everything that took to the skies.

Joe had the soul of a maker and the curiosity of an explorer. He loved building things from

computers to custom woodworking projects to quirky liquor bottle lamps that lit up many a

family corner. A lifelong collector of curiosities and antiques, he had an appreciation for history

and a love of storytelling to match. Joe especially delighted in sharing his treasures and tales

with his grandchildren.

A National Parks lifetime pass holder, he had a passion for hiking and landscape photography.

He loved spending his mornings with a breakfast biscuit, a sweet tea, and an adventure in nature.

His stunning photos can still be found online through platforms like 500px.

Joe expressed his love through food. He was the family grillmaster, known for his ribs and a dry

rub recipe that took years (and countless delicious experiments) to get just right. He was a

Costco adventurer who never met a bulk box of pretzels he didn't love and never left without a

few extra things in the cart. Whether it was a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner, Joe made

food feel like home.

Joe loved to travel. Whether exploring Italy's old streets, old mining towns in the West, Alaska's

wild landscapes, annual family beach trips, and countless National Parks across the country, he

knew how to turn life into an adventure and every moment into a story worth telling.

Joe had a sharp wit a strong moral compass. In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be

made to "any anti-MAGA organization", a final nod to his convictions and his sense of humor.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all who were lucky enough to

know him.

A memorial service will be 2 pm Sunday, September 21, 2025 in the Chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home in Marietta with Rev. Joe Buckner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2 PM before the service. Carmichael Funeral Home in Marietta is in Charge of the arrangements. www.carmichaelcares.com, 770-424-4924.