RICHARD W. LEONARD, 70, of Jackson Twp., NJ, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, NJ, with his wife by his side after a courageous 24-year battle of illness due to his line of duty injury. Richard was born in Perth Amboy, NJ, and resided there until 1992 when he moved to Jackson.
He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Perth Amboy, NJ, and a 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota.
Richard joined the Ironworkers Local 480 in Elizabeth in 1968 where he worked until becoming a career Uniformed Fireman in 1987 for the city of Perth Amboy. Richard retired on December 1, 1994, after suffering a career-ending injury while in the line of duty.
Richard was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Perth Amboy, NJ, and Jackson Twp., NJ, #6201, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ocean County Emerald Society, and served as the Fire Commissioner for Jackson Twp., Fire District 4, Station 54 since 2003.
He was predeceased by his Father, Richard John Leonard; his Mother-in –law, Harriet Nugent; and by his Father-in-law, Patrick Nugent. Richard is survived by his Wife of 47 years, Catherine Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Son, Richard P. Leonard and his Wife, Francesca (Valente) Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Daughters, Erin Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ, and Robin Ostek and her Husband, Bronson of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Granddaughters, Lauren Ostek, Jillian Ostek, and Sophia Leonard; his Mother, Violet (Dayko) Leonard of Perth Amboy, NJ; his Brother, David Leonard and his Wife, Lorraine of Colonia, NJ; and by his Nephews, David Leonard and his Wife, Valerie, Shawn Leonard and his Wife, Danielle; and Thomas Leonard.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visitation from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2017, at the GEORGE S. HASSLER FUNERAL HOME, 980 Bennetts Mills Rd., Jackson Twp., NJ 08527. A funeral gathering will be offered at 8:00 AM on Friday, August 4, 2017, at the funeral home. His Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9:00 AM at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Rd., Jackson Twp., NJ 08527. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Ocean County Emerald Society, PO Box 1955, Brick, NJ 08723, Attn: Scholarship Fund, and would be greatly appreciated. For directions, further information, and to send condolence messages to the family, please select a tab on the left.