[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 122 (Tuesday, July 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING JOHN D. LEONARD SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2021

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John D. 
Leonard Sr. of Girard, Ohio who passed away peacefully Monday, July 5, 
2021 at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family.
  John was born Oct. 13, 1940, in Niles, a son to Joseph and Kathryn 
McMenamy Leonard. He was a 1958 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. 
He worked as a skilled tradesman for both the union and then Packard 
Electric, retiring in 2008. John was a parishioner of St. Rose Church 
and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Girard.
  John was a pillar to his family. He was a selfless provider always 
ensuring the prosperity of his children and grandchildren. Just as he 
sang along to Louise's piano performances, uplifting her tunes, John 
would always uplift those around him, supporting friends and family 
unconditionally. His infectious smile and enthusiastic dancing reminds 
us how to live life. John's fundamental values of love, dedication, and 
community will forever guide his loved one's path towards happiness. We 
have lost a truly wonderful person who will forever be missed.
  He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Karla (Philip) Smith 
of Virginia, John D. (Suzana) Leonard Jr. of Shaker Heights and Bob 
(Danielle) Leonard of Rocky River; brothers, Joseph (MaryAnn), Thomas 
(Lucy), Paul (Charlotte), William (Mary Ann), Richard (Sandy) and 
Robert; sisters, Kathleen, Margaret Mary (David); close friend and 
companion, Nancy Foster; and his grandchildren, Audrey and Emma Smith, 
Daniel and Stefan Leonard, Andrew and Anna Leonard, Alex Sapp, Adam 
(Janice) and Hannah Smith. Besides his parents, John was preceded in 
death by his wife, Louise Leonard, whom he married Aug. 18, 1962, and 
who passed away Feb. 2, 2015; and a brother, Jerry.
  John was the uncle to my longtime District Director and childhood 
friend, Rick Leonard. John truly embodied the spirit of the Democratic 
Party through his lifetime of integrity and kindness and was all around 
a wonderful person to be around. My condolences go out to all whose 
lives he touched.

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