William Dennison Leonard Sr.

William Dennison Leonard Sr., age 85, died May 7, 2024 at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms.
The son of native Detroiters Barbara A. and Raymond C. Leonard, "Bill" was born on Friday, May 13, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan.
He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1956 where he lettered in basketball and tennis. Bill went on to attend Colgate University and Wayne State University before transferring to the University of Michigan where he received his bachelor's degree in history. He then joined the Army Reserve during the Berlin crisis before returning to the University of Michigan to earn his MBA.
When he returned to U of M from the army, Mary, his future wife moved in next door on Hoover Street to begin her teaching career at Whitmore Lake. They were married 2 ½ years later in Niles, Michigan.
In 1963, Bill began his retailing career at the J.L. Hudson Company. In 1977, he moved to the Crowley Milner Company. In 1983, he opened his own women's clothing store, Dennison's, in the heart of the Village of Grosse Pointe.
Frequently referred to by many of the store's customers as "Mr. Dennison," Bill always played along before engaging in some friendly conversation with them. Thanks to the loyalty and hard work of his associates along with the support and assistance of his wife, Mary, and two children William Jr. and Mary, Dennison's had a wonderful 22-year run. He also opened a second Dennison's location in New Baltimore, Mich. during that time.
Bill loved all sports and was an avid fan of the University of Michigan, where he was a season ticket holder for the Wolverine's football team for more than 50 years. Former U of M head coaching legend Bo Schembechler was his hero. Bill also loved to play tennis and golf, seeking out opportunities to play on some of the country's finest golf courses from coast to coast.
Bill was a member of Grosse Pointe Memorial Church. He was a past member of the Detroit Athletic Club and the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where he and Mary spent many winters and enjoyed spending time with extended family who lived there.
Bill loved being with his family, and they spent many wonderful vacations together. He and Mary spent many hours supporting their children and grandchildren in their endeavors. They coached and sponsored their children's baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and floor hockey teams.
They also tried not to miss any of their grandchildren's school concerts, dance recitals or sporting events. They attended nearly every meet or game they could for gymnastics, swimming, softball, soccer, basketball, baseball and flag football games.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Margaret (McLauchlin) Leonard; his beloved children William Jr. (Meg) of Grosse Pointe Farms and Mary Leonard Ritter (Edwin) of Winder, Ga. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren Kathryn, William III, Elisabeth and John (Jack) Leonard, who will dearly miss their "Papa." He is also survived by his sister Barbara Leonard Orr. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Raymond C. Leonard Jr.
A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. will take place before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, The Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society and The Helm.
Share memories with the family at Verheyden.org