Capt Edward P. Leonard DDS, PhD (USN Ret.)

Capt. Edward P. Leonard

DDS, PhD (USN Ret.)

Fort Worth, TX - Captain Edward Paul "Red" Leonard, DDS, PhD (USN Ret.), 89, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 29, 1935, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Red was born to Laurence and Hilda (Coutu) Leonard. He grew up in Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1953. Red experienced profound loss early in life-his mother, Hilda, passed away when he was just 13, and his younger sister, Mary Ellen, died at the age of 16. These early losses instilled in him a deep appreciation for family bonds and a lasting commitment to cherish those he loved.

Though he would go on to have a distinguished career in military service and dentistry, Red's early path was shaped by his Catholic faith. He began religious training at the Josephite Seminary in Newburgh, New York, studying for three years with the intention of becoming a priest. During his time there, he met Lola Jeanne Ahern-the woman who would become his life partner and, as family lore fondly recounts, change the course of his life. Red and Lola married in 1958 and shared 64 years of love and devotion until her passing in 2023.

Red earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University in 1962. During his time in dental school, he held a remarkable part-time position that connected him to the heart of American political history. One day, he received a call from Evelyn Lincoln, the personal secretary to Senator John F. Kennedy, who informed him that he was being offered a job with the United States Capitol Police. Red soon visited Senator Kennedy's office, where he met with Laurence O'Donnell, the Senator's chief of staff. O'Donnell explained that although Senator Kennedy did not have a patronage slot for the police force, he had reached out to his close friend and Harvard roommate, Congressman Torbert Macdonald of Massachusetts, who did. As a gesture of friendship to JFK, Congressman Macdonald agreed to extend the job offer to Red. The opportunity came full circle through Macdonald's chief of staff, Harold Lincoln-who happened to be Evelyn Lincoln's husband-bringing Red into a role that supported him through dental school and placed him in close proximity to history during a transformative era in American politics.

He went on to earn a PhD from the University of Maryland in 1967. Answering the call to serve his country, Red joined the United States Navy, dedicating 30 years as a Navy dentist and retiring with the rank of Captain in 1992.

Throughout his military career, Captain Leonard was stationed at various key locations including NAS Point Mugu (CA), Charleston Navy Base (SC), Marine Corps Parris Island (SC), Great Lakes Naval Station (IL), Subic Bay (Philippines), and the Naval Medical Research and Development Command in Bethesda and Washington, D.C. He also served aboard the USS Everglades, where he completed a six-month deployment to Naples, Italy-an experience he fondly remembered as a highlight of his time at sea.

His pioneering work in dental research included the development of a major project in Cairo, Egypt, under the U.S. Navy's Naval Medical Research Unit. For his exceptional service, he received numerous honors, including the prestigious Carl Schlack Award, recognizing his significant achievement in dental research, sustained excellence in military leadership, and outstanding contributions to Navy dentistry.

After retiring from the Navy, Red continued to serve through education, taking on a teaching role at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. He was a gifted mentor and role model whose impact on students extended well beyond the classroom.

In retirement, Red and Lola embraced life as snowbirds, spending their time between their home in Vienna, VA, and their winter getaway in Boynton Beach, FL. They delighted in visiting their children and grandchildren across the country, especially in Texas, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Red and Lola also shared a love for international travel, exploring the world together with memorable trips to Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Mexico. Whether abroad or gathered at home with family, Red treasured every moment and created lasting memories rooted in love, laughter, and togetherness.

Above all, Red was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found immense joy in time spent with family-on the farm, at the beach, or wherever they happened to be together. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love were the foundation of countless cherished family traditions.

Known for his generosity, integrity, and mentorship, Red had a unique gift for making others feel seen, heard, and appreciated. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched-as a naval officer, educator, mentor, and beloved patriarch.

Red is survived by his children Lisa Koger, Jeffrey Leonard, and Larry Leonard; sons-in-law and Kenneth Koger, Terry Firr, and daughter-in-law Allison Joseph Leonard; grandchildren Caroline Leigh (Carleigh), Logan, Lauren, Coleman, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Molly, Lola Jane, and Julian; and one great-granddaughter, Blakely Firr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Hilda Leonard; his sister, Mary Ellen; his beloved daughter, Julie Leonard Firr; and his cherished wife, Lola Jeanne Leonard.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Sunrise of Fort Worth, where Red lived his final two years to be closer to his Texas family. Known affectionately there as "Doc," he was deeply loved and respected by the community that cared for him so well.

A full military honors burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled and announced at a future date.

A life of faith, service, and love-Captain Edward Paul "Red" Leonard will be deeply missed and forever remembered.