Leonard E. Aiken

Leonard E. Aiken peacefully transitioned from Earth to Eternal on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He was born on September 1, 1938, in Augusta, Georgia to the late Jannie Sue and Leonard Aiken, Sr. At a young age, his family moved to Erie, Pennsylvania where he grew up around a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins whom he adored. He graduated from East High School in 1956 and later joined the Marine Corp where he served for four years.
Shortly after serving in the military, Leonard moved to Syracuse where he resided until his death. While in Syracuse he had a variety of jobs including Niagara Mohawk from which he retired in 1995. He also worked as a real estate agent, assisting many families to acquire their first home. After retiring, he continued working by driving trucks locally and throughout the state of New York as he loved driving and seeing the beauty of the country, which he did until he completely retired in 2020.
Leonard, also affectionately known as Jr Aiken, Red, and Mr. Lenny (depending on how you knew him) loved driving, fishing, and playing cards. His number one love in this life was his family. His family was his greatest priority and treasure. Growing up as an only child, he was once told by an uncle that if he didn't have any children the family name would die with him. Let's just say, he made sure that the Aiken name would continue to flourish for generations to come.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his bonus mother Minnie Lee Darby Aiken, his brother Steven Aiken, sister Rose Keys, and three children Rachelle Aiken, Duane Aiken, and Erica Wilson.
He leaves behind to continue celebrating his memories, his wife of 38 years Willie Mae (Sue) Aiken; four brothers, Richard Darby (Julie), Kenneth Darby (Joan), Donald Aiken and David Aiken (Tina); seven sons, Leonard Aiken, Byron Aiken, Kareem Aiken, Sr, Eugene Wilson, Jr, David Aiken, Fateen Gilkey (La-Quell) and Aaron Jones; two daughters, Linda Aiken and Michelle Wilson; one Godson, Michael Anthony Jenkins; 20 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 7 great great-grandchildren; one uncle, John Willie (Uncle Ban) Johnson; and his best friend of over 60 years, Ronnie Jenkins who continued to be by his side until his final days as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Leonard's memory will continue to live through all of us for many years to come.