William Edward "Bill" Leonard

1930 - 2023

William Edward Leonard - "Bill" to friends and loved ones - passed away in Delaware late Saturday evening, beginning his next great journey on May 13, 2023. His 92 years were filled with accomplishments, happiness, diligence, integrity, quick wit, and most importantly, love.

Bill was born on November 24, 1930, in Utica, New York to the late Edward William Leonard and Gladys (Finch) Leonard. Having grown up during the Great Depression and World War II, his values formed around his family and his country, which carried on throughout his life.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Shenandoah. He later served again for 31 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he was held in high regard by his peers, as evidenced by his election to Flotilla Commander.

After serving in the Navy, Bill followed in his father's footsteps by working for the Railroad. For 41 years, he oversaw quality control for New York Central and Penn Central. His eye for detail and talent for perfection were qualities inherited from his parents that continue to be passed down in his family.

A devoted and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Delaware, Bill knew the right words for the right time, especially while saying grace during Sunday dinners. Through thick and thin, his faith and friendship—both with God and with his fellow man—sustained him.

Bill loved the Railroad, the Navy, and going to Alum Creek every weekend to patrol the waters. He enjoyed good baseball games, fresh home-baked desserts, and a breezy and sunny afternoon outside. The one thing Bill loved more than anything else was his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 72 long and special years, Lucille (Cappa); daughters, Patti Krause of Westerville and Kimberly (Chris) Petrosky of Columbus; sons, Michael (Peggy) Leonard of London, Kentucky and Edward Leonard of Catskill, New York; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive at W. William Street, Delaware. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 82 E. William Street, Delaware with Rev. Fr. Brett Garland officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery with military honors. The St. Mary Ministry Team will then host a reception in the Snyder-Rodman Community Room following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to your local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center is honored to serve this veteran and his family.

To share a fond memory of Bill or to offer a condolence to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.