Richard Thomas Leonard, age 82, a longtime resident of West Bloomfield, MI and Ft. Myers, FL. Born January 28, 1941 in Youngstown, OH, to John and Aileen (Gibbons) Leonard. Passed away on May 20, 2023 in Michigan, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara for 43 years, who preceded him in death on January 23, 2020. He is the treasured father of Colleen (Dan) Kimmel and proud grandfather of Lily. He is survived also by his brother William (Diana) Leonard, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister Alice Traikoff, and his brother, John Francis ("Bud") Leonard.
Richard graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School, in Youngstown, Ohio. Afterwards, he served in the United States Army. After his service and his graduation from university, he spent his career in finance at General Motors, retiring in 2002. After retirement, he and Barbara spent many happy years at their home at Lexington Country Club in Ft. Myers, FL.
Richard was an avid golfer, and loved to travel, relax in the pool, and have a good bourbon or Manhattan. He most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Richard never met a stranger, and truly lived up to his high school caption, which always made him chuckle: "Dick's a character, one of the best, who continually jokes with all the rest."
Instate Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi from 10:30 AM until time of funeral liturgy 11:00 AM with a luncheon at Walnut Creek Country Club, 25501 Johns Road, South Lyon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Solanus Casey Center a ministry of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, a religious community of friars inspired by St. Francis of Assisi or to the American Lung Association