John William Leonard, 85, of California, MD died at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC on June 22, 2008.

He was born in the Bronx, NY on January 11, 1923, the son of the late John William Leonard and Alida Gorecki Leonard.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. John was married to Catherine M. Nolan on June 5, 1948 in New York City and they enjoyed 55 years of joyful marriage. Their entire life together was a true love story. Together they raised four children: Susan Whitney of Williamsburg, NM, J. William Leonard of Avenue, MD, Patricia Leonard of Bethpage, NY and Margaret Santoriello of Hicksville, NY. John worked for the New York Telephone Company.

In addition to three sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law, he had six fantastic grandchildren: John, Michael, Jessica, Dominick, Lisa and Sloan.

Together with Catherine, he enjoyed 20 years of retirement in Sun City West, AZ. He lived for the last five years at Wildewood Retirement Village. John had unlimited love for his family which he freely shared. He was so very proud of his grandchildren who all turned into wonderful adults. He loved to travel with his wife Catherine and since moving to Wildewood, he became an avid member of the billiards club.

Whether family, friends or complete strangers, anyone and everyone who ever met John admired his fantastic wit and sense of humor. No matter what the situation, he had a humorous angle, anecdote or joke to convey. His humor will be missed almost as much as his love. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Catherine and his grandson and namesake, John William.

The family received friends on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today, Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. The Reverend Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary and Allied Cemetery, Long Island, NY on June 26, 2008.

Charitable contributions can be made to MCSS for J.W. Leonard Technology Scholarship and can be mailed to Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MD 20635.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.