Raymond Edgar Leonard

Raymond Edgar Leonard, 82, of Newark Valley, NY, passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2026. Born on Oct. 31, 1943, in Tonawanda, NY, Raymond, or ‘Ray’ as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a son of the late Edgar and Alice Leonard.

Survived by his loving wife Arlene and daughters Lisa Canaday (David), Lonnie South (Floyd) and Loreli Pham, and stepson Jeff Thomas (Debbie). 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He also had many cousins, nieces and nephews who he loved very much. He will be dearly missed by his beloved boy Baxter.

In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his son-in-law Peter Pham and stepdaughter Jody Wood. 

Ray was raised on a dairy farm in Berkshire, NY. He enjoyed being a member of 4-H Club and FFA while in school.

He worked for Tioga County Sheriff’s Dept. for 12 years where he sponsored the Junior Deputies Program. He relocated to Virginia with his family in 1979 where he continued his career in law enforcement before returning to NY in 1983. He then began a 37-year venture in car sales at Scoville Meno and then Matthews Auto Group. He made many friends and was recognized as Salesman of the month many times. 

Hobbies he enjoyed included: bowling, building model race cars, and listening to country music. 

His favorite past time was watching motor sports. He worked security for a time at Tioga Speedway and most recently enjoyed going to races at Thunder Mountain Speedway.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Guthrie-Lourdes Hospice, for their compassionate care of Ray.

A celebration of Ray’s life will take place in the spring at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared in his online guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, Ray requested donations be made to the Broome County Humane Society. The family is under the caring guidance of MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley, NY.