Genealogy

William Francis Leonard

COOPERSTOWN _ William Francis Leonard, a resident of Cooperstown and formerly of New Providence, N.J., died Friday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2010, at Otsego Manor. The husband of Tillie Freid Leonard, he was 85.

Born Nov. 24, 1924, in Perth Amboy, N.J., he was a son of Frank and Sophie (Nehila) Lenart.

As soon as he turned 18, Bill enlisted on Nov. 27, 1942, in the United States Army Air Force. During World War II, Bill served his country with the Fifth Air Force and the 13th Army Air Corps as a radio control operator with Headquarters Detachment 583rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, and was a part of the Asiatic Pacific Theater serving in the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea and in Luzon in the Philippines.

For his service, he received an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Ribbon, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with three stars, a World War II Victory Medal and Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal and Ribbon. He attained the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged on Dec. 5, 1945.

Even though Bill left school early to join the military, he eventually received his high school diploma through a government-sponsored program for veterans. He was justly proud of his service to his country, and later in life received a certificate of appreciation from Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care that reads, "In grateful recognition of your service to our country in the United States Army Air Force on behalf of the partnership between Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care/Veterans Administration."

Following his military service, Bill returned to New Jersey, and was employed by Corby's Laundry in Summit for 23 years. He later was employed by Hill City Cleaners, also in Summit.

In 1966, Bill met his future wife, Tillie Freid, at a bowling alley, and they were married Feb. 2, 1969, in Summit.

Bill and Tillie moved to Cooperstown full-time in 1974, living on property that Bill had purchased in 1968. After moving to Cooperstown, Bill was employed as a stock clerk by the Great American, retiring in 1986.

Throughout his life, Bill was an avid bowler. He was especially proud of having once bowled a 299 game for which he received the AMF 299 Award as well as recognition and a ring that he always wore from the American Bowling Congress. He was also League Champion in 1967 and 1968.

Bill was also a model enthusiast.

Bill and Tillie loved their pets, and have had many dogs over the years. These include their Jack Russell Terriers, Casey and Suzie, a Peke-A-Poo named Shadow, and his faithful friend and companion, Ginger.

Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tillie Leonard, of Cooperstown; one son, Kenneth William Leonard and his wife, Patricia, of Davenport; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.

A graveside service will be offered at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, in the Congregation B'Nai Israel section of United Hebrew Cemetery, 122 Arthur Kill Road in Staten Island, with Rabbi Samuel Waidenbaum officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by a contingent from the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial contributions may be made to the , Heart Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or the , Utica NY Office, Lomond Office Park, 110 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.